History was made on Saturday, October 28 when the Tennessee State Elementary and Middle School Cross Country meet was held in West Tennessee at Shelby Farms for the first time. Dogwood Elementary school went on to set records on the course. The Dogwood Cross Country teams had a fantastic season, culminating in a state championship for the varsity and junior varsity girls and a third place finish for the varsity boys. The JV boys finished sixth place.
The varsity girls had the lowest score at a state meet in Dogwood history. They were led by Ivy McIntyre, who placed second in the race with a time of 6:13 and now holds the local girl’s course record. She was the top 4th grade runner in the race. McIntyre was joined in the Dogwood top seven by Elyn Miller (9th), Sophia Wilmoth (11th place), Reese Kelley (12th), Ella McBride, Ainsley Corman, and Lilian Sayle.
The Dogwood JV girls were also state champions, led by Eloise Shelton, who placed first in the race with a time of 7:11. She is the first Dogwood girl to ever be a JV champion. The other top seven runners on the JV girls team were Lydia Borgman, Kyle Osborne, Seraphina Sloan, Kinley Douglas, Elyse Borgman, and Lilly Wellman. The team took home 14 of the top 30 medals in the JV girls race.
Dogwood’s varsity boys team was led by Jack Shelton, who placed second in the race and now holds the local boy's course record with a time of 5:40. Shelton was joined in the top seven by Miles Bishop, Cam Strain, Cade Johnson, Elliot Strain, Nolan Pratt, and Ben Pressler.
The JV boys top five runners were Christian Guy, Wen Graves, John Ueleke, Dexter Gallagher, and Nick Viotti.
The team's coaches are Stacey Schwarzmann (head coach), Madison McKinstry (teacher/coach), April Serfess, and Andy Pratt.
"This team is so fun, talented, and supportive of each other," Schwarzmann said.
“We are so proud of the hard work and effort they have put in since July,” McKinstry said. “We have seen so much improvement in many of our athletes. What an exciting season for the Dogwood Cross Country Team! I am proud to be one of their coaches.”
The team's success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the Dogwood Cross Country Teams on their wonderful season!