HAYESVILLE
Cross country champs today
Cherokee County runners finished up the cross-country regular season with a meet at Hayesville High School on Oct. 13.
Murphy led the charge in the boys race, placing third behind Cherokee and Swain County. Junior Clayton Laney was the top county finisher, placing third in a time of 17 minutes, 57.70 seconds. That was just slightly off the pace of the top two finishers, Swain’s Connor Brown (17:45.82) and Cherokee’s Jaylen Bark (17:53.65).
Sophomore Liam Cook placed fifth in a time of 18:56.19. Hiwassee Dam freshman Ethan Russell (19:45.26) was the only other county runner who finished in the top 20, placing 13th.
On the girls side, Murphy had four girls competing, with sophomore Corrine Cotton and senior Ashlyn Stroupe leading the way in 11th (26:01.48) and 12th place (26:04.19), respectively.
The runners will head to the Smoky Mountain Conference championship today, which will take place at Kituwah Mound in Bryson City. Swain County and Cherokee will be in a fight for the boys race, while the Lady Devils will try to dominate the girls race.
MURPHY
Games need more officials
Southwestern Officials is looking for people interested in officiating games in sports throughout western North Carolina.
The organization is looking for officials for basketball, baseball and softball across all levels, from youth league all the way up to high school varsity. Murphy athletic director Ray Gutierrez said there is a shortage of officials that may result in having to move or cancel some games.
If interested in becoming an official, email referee@dnet.net or call Todd Mason at 828-598-5745.
RALEIGH
Blue Cross, state partner
The N.C. High School Athletic Association announced a new strategic partnership with BlueCross & BlueShield of North Carolina.
The company will be recognized as the official health insurance partner of the association and will help it honor significant moments, accomplishments teams and individuals that make an impact on the growth of women’s sports in North Carolina. The campaign will include a social media series set to end on June 23, 2022, the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Blue Cross NC will also sponsor all women’s championships during this athletic year. Blue Cross NC will also be providing an $1,000 check to all eight schools to further support women’s athletics in the association.
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.
Leaders host 5K Color Run
Union County High School’s Future Business Leaders of America is sponsoring a 5K Color Run or Mile Fun Walk with color Saturday, Nov. 6, at Meeks Park. Check-in time will be at 7:45 a.m. and the run will start at 9 a.m.
The entry fee is $20 for students, $25 for adults. Participants who register by Friday will receive a run/walk T-shirt and a packet of color for the race kickoff.
The event is family friendly, but offers timing for serious runners. There will be color stations every half-kilometer, where runners and walkers are painted head to toe in different colored powders and will finish the race covered in washable color.
From staff reports.