Cross Country team – consistent excellence
By BILL BASSETT
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets here in Wakulla has been the consistent excellence put together by the Wakulla High School Cross Country team. If you didn’t know – it’s been a truly remarkable run!
While the cross-country season takes place during the fall, it’s a year-long endeavor to be consistently great. You may have seen these dedicated boys and girls, running the trails down by the school near highway 319 – putting in the work. On any given week they log 20 – 40 miles as they practice their craft.
Over the past several years, the WHS XC (Cross Country) team has put together a string of victories and accomplishments that would give any sports team a reason to boast. While you won’t hear it from their lips, rest assured it is on the minds of those they compete against. The path to achieving great results starts with solid coaching. Wakulla High Coach Mike Martin and his wife Melissa (“Coach Mel”) have been guiding the team for several seasons. They are dedicated, caring leaders who volunteer their time to develop their student athletes on and off the trail. The results speak for themselves.
This past (2023) season, there were 12 girls on the team. In 11 races they placed 1st place 4 times; placed 2nd at two races; and 3rd at one race. They were District Champions, 5th at the Regional Meet, and advanced to the State Championship Meet for the third straight year. Six girls traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to compete at the Garmin Running Lane Championship meet.
There were 8 boys on the 2023 team. In 11 races they placed 1st once, 2nd once, 3rd once, 4th place at two races and 5th at one race. They competed at the District Meet and placed 6th, which advanced them to the Regional Meet. This was the third time since 2017 the boys advanced out of districts. The team just missed qualifying for the State Finals, but their top runner qualified individually to compete at the State Meet. Four boys traveled to Huntsville to compete at the Garmin Running Lane Championship meet.
These student athletes also excelled in the class room, with 15 of 20 runners achieving a 3.5 GPA or higher. As for their leader, Coach Martin is not one to take credit for these successes. He praises the athletes’ effort and performance; along with his wife’s assistance and unwavering support; and the WHS XC Boosters, parents, strength and conditioning coach (Cale Langston); and others who volunteer their time. Coach Martin would let you know he’s just following the path of the legendary coach that came before him: Paul Hoover.
Paul Hoover’s love of running brought him to Wakulla High School in 2006, where he coached the cross country and track teams. At the time, the cross-country team had just 15 runners. Paul shared his passion for running with anyone who would lace up a pair of shoes. Often, Coach Hoover would provide those shoes himself. His dedication and mentorship was a magnet that drew in young adults. Paul believed “kids didn’t care how much you knew, until they knew how much you cared.” Paul Hoover cared, and his kids knew it.
Through the years, Paul Hoover touched the lives of the hundreds of kids he mentored, coached, encouraged and loved. Hoover set the standard for his teams and the program flourished. Under Hoover, the WHS cross-country team grew to 40 athletes a year and became a formidable force. There were many program firsts including: District Championships, qualifying for Regional meets, and a string of consecutive, post season appearances. Under Hoover’s guidance, several athletes signed with post-secondary institutions based on the strength of their cross-country and track and field performances.
The War Eagles current coach knows you can follow a legend, but never replace one. Paul Hoover was indeed a legend. He was a special person and an extraordinary leader who motivated and guided others by his example. Those around the program today would confirm that’s precisely what Coach Mike Martin and his wife (Coach) Mel are doing. They are continuing the legacy set by Coach Hoover; guiding their teams down the trails and tracks; inspiring runners to be a great teammate while chasing their goals and personal records; and motivating their student athletes to be their best on and off the field.
This Saturday, June 22nd, the Paul Hoover Memorial Freedom Run 5K & Extra Mile Run/Walk 2024 will take place from 8-11 AM at Wakulla Springs State Park. The race was inspired by Coach Hoover and continues as the main fundraiser for the WHS Cross Country team. Monies raised go right back to the cross-country program.
Below is a list of this past year’s Wakulla High Cross Country Team and some of their accomplishments. Certainly the good folks of Wakulla County, the school, parents, and coaches past and present have a right to be proud.
2023 WHS Boys Cross Country
Alex Marshall (Sr): Academic Award
Andrew Nix (Sr): Captain; Garmin RL Championship; Coaches Award; Academic Award.
Emil Bendeck (Jr): Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Steven Dandridge (Jr): Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Henry Lewis (So): State Qualifier; Garmin RL Championship, Academic Award; Boys Team MVP.
Aaron Anderson (Fr)
Dean Blumenthal (Fr): Most Improved Award.
Logan Hand (Fr): Academic Award.
2023 WHS Girls Cross Country:
Analecia Ferrell (Sr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship.
Liliana Lewis (Sr): Captain; Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Taylor Pfeifer (Sr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Kaylee Sanders (Sr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship; Coaches Award.
Lana Hawkins (Jr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Isabella Laughton (Jr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award; Girls Team MVP.
Danielle Malphurs (Jr): State Team; Garmin RL Championship; Academic Award.
Kyrin Hand (So): Academic Award
Aubrey Reck (So): Academic Award
Sami Rodriquez (So)
Emmalee Knutson (Fr): State Team; Academic Award.
London Waymon (Fr): Academic Award; Most Improved Award.
