The Irwin County High School Cross Country team traveled to Wilcox County to compete in the SECTIONALS meet. Beginning in 2024, GHSA introduced the sectional format to help manage the large number of teams participating at the state level.
This year, Irwin was placed in one of the tougher sectional groups, competing against teams from Sub-regions 2, 3, 7, and 8—a highly competitive field with more teams than the other sectional.
Irwin was proud to field full boys’ and girls’ teams, with each category requiring 5–7 runners to qualify as a team. (Individual runners can also compete without a full team.) The top 12 teams and top 20 individual runners from each sectional advance to the State Championship in Carrollton.
In the Boys Sectional B category, there were 18 full teams and several individual competitors. Irwin entered a maximum of seven runners. While our boys did not finish in the top 12 overall, they delivered outstanding performances—finishing 4th within our individual region category.
Highlights included Lane Pylant setting a personal record (PR) for the season, and several runners completing their first-ever 5K with impressive times! Others came close to matching their season averages, all while contending with cool 40–50° weather conditions.
In the girls’ division, 9–10 full teams competed. Irwin entered five runners—meeting the minimum for a full team. Unfortunately, one athlete had to withdraw mid-race due to the challenging weather conditions, which meant the remaining four continued as individual competitors.
Despite the setback, the girls showed exceptional sportsmanship and teamwork, stopping to check on their teammate before finishing their own races strong. Their times were impressive and close to personal bests—proof of their dedication and heart.
We are incredibly proud of the Irwin XC team for their perseverance, teamwork, and spirit throughout the season. They represented Irwin County High School with dignity, determination, and true sportsmanship.
Congratulations on a great season!
– Coach Steven and Coach Susan
Girls’ Team Members:
Chloe Ruelas, A’rihanna Wynn, Mackenzie Wynn, Eva Raffield, and Johanna Pierre-Louis.
Boys’ Team Members:
Jonathan “JJ” Mobley, Landen Sumner, Landon Haire, Ben Bowles, Lane Pylant, Kel Daniels, and Daveon “JJ” Killiebrew.