One of the state’s top Class 1 distance runners will lead the way for the Thomas Jefferson Independent School cross country program this fall.
After a stellar junior season, returning state medalist Kip Atteberry appears poised to put together a big senior year.
“This will certainly be an exciting season for the high school team,” Cavaliers coach Clayton Carnahan said. “Kip ended the track season on a high note with three state medals, and he has only improved through summer training.”
Atteberry finished fourth at last year’s Class 1 state cross country championships with a time of 17 minutes, 3 seconds. He was the runner-up at the district event and was the Ozark 7 champion.
Atteberry is coming off a great spring on the track. At last May’s state track meet, Atteberry placed third in the 3,200 (10:14), took fourth in the 1,600 (4:33) and finished seventh in the 800 (2:04), earning all-state honors in all three events.
Carnahan listed sophomores Isa Bin Jeremy and Braden Honeywell-Lynch and freshman James Sheppard as newcomers who are expected to contribute nicely.
Returning state qualifier Sarah Mueller is expected to lead the way for the Thomas Jefferson girls.
A junior, Mueller finished 35th at last year’s state meet. She placed 17th at the district meet and took third at the conference event.
Carnahan expects Mueller to shine this fall.
“Sarah qualified for the Junior Olympics this summer in the 1,500 and had a PR of 5:51.93 during the summer season,” Carnahan said.
The Cavaliers have two other returning starters on the girls side—senior Samantha Seto and sophomore Macie Shifferd.
With a pair of standouts leading the way, Carnahan is confident the Cavaliers can put together a successful season.
“I expect both the high school and middle school teams to outshine previous seasons from the start,” he said. “They’ve already shown more stamina and athleticism through their hard work this season and are ready to grow as athletes quickly. The students on the team care deeply about one another’s success and have created a culture of accountability and excellence.”
Carnahan noted the team’s keys to success are simple.
“Throughout this season, we’ll need to stay focused on our individual and team goals and be willing to change pace when the time demands it,” Carnahan said. “The cross country athletes this season have already started the work they need to do to find success this season. Those keys for success will continue to be their consistency and reliability.”
The Cavaliers will run at Neosho on Aug. 27. Thomas Jefferson will also compete at two local events, the Carthage Invitational on Sept. 8 and the Southern Stampede on Sept. 17.
