Reese Wins Tenth State Title, Boys Earn Seventh Place

Leah Gregory

From November 2007:

The final race of the season has been run, and for the seniors it is a bittersweet goodbye.
“It’s sad that it’s my last high school cross-country race,” said senior Emily Reese (‘08). “But I’m not done.”
At the state championships, Reese earned her fourth consecutive cross-country state title and her tenth state championship. Her time of 17:56 was the fastest of the day in any class.
“It feels great,” said Reese. “I just wish they [the girls team] could have been here with me.”
The varsity boys earned a ticket to the state meet by beating out rival Dunwoody and placing fourth at regionals.
“Fourth is great,” said head coach Curtis Johnson. “In this region with these teams, making it to state is a huge accomplishment.”
Despite several health issues, the varsity boys did not wilt.
“Rober Llaurador was sick and ran through it,” said Johnson. “Andrew Johnson was also sick but could not run and Michael Fessenden really came through for him.”
Senior Ryan Henner (“08) placed first for Chamblee with a time of 17:42 (36th); sophomore Alex Coble (‘10) came in second for Chamblee with a time of 17:48 (45th); junior Clay Williams (‘09) finished with a time of 18:01 (54th); followed by Skip Reese at 18:02 (56th).
These individual performances helped the varsity boys to a seventh-place finish, moving up one place from where they were ranked.
In 2008, this year’s strong junior and sophomore runners will assume leadership positions and hopefully improve beyond their 2007 season accomplishments.
“They did absolutely wonderful, amazing, great,” said Johnson. “I’m so proud of them and thrilled for them.”