Runners had to compete in ‘terrible’ conditions

Runners had to compete in ‘terrible’ conditions

By Steve Williams

High school cross country runners had to deal with slick, muddy conditions as they competed for TSSAA state tournament berths last Tuesday at Victor Ashe Park.

The rainy days had ended, but puddles of water throughout the hilly course made the going treacherous.

After crossing the finish line in the first race of the day, one girl lost her footing and fell flat on the ground and laid there, hurting and stunned from the fall. Teammates helped her get up and supported her as they slowly walked away.

There were others, too, that slipped due to the wet conditions.

Carter Coach Chris Meadows said he walked the course that morning before the races began. “It was terrible, absolutely terrible,” he said. “I’ve seen it rain, bu