Head coach Jessica Ward checks the time as the first runner, freshman Dylan Minthorn, returns from his run at practice on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. The team rotates practice routes during the season to gain experience on different surfaces and with differing millage. (Audrey Pfitzner/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Oglethorpe County freshman Abigail Whitney closes out her run at cross country practice on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. In her first high school race, Whitney placed 20th at the Gorge to Beach XC Gathering 3K on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, with a time of 14:53.81. (Audrey Pfitzner/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Head coach Jessica Ward provides encouragement for Oglethorpe County junior Evelyn Arvizu at cross country practice on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Despite this being her first season coaching cross country, Ward “was just the biggest cheerleader” at the team’s opening meet, the Gorge to Beach XC Gathering 3K. (Audrey Pfitzner/The Oglethorpe Echo)
New Oglethorpe County cross country coach Jessica Ward got caught up in the noise and excitement of her first meet.
More than 218 athletes from nine schools raced for 3,000 meters on Aug. 20,&nbs…
