A tradition marked by strengthened self-confidence and team spirit continued Monday, Oct. 7 as Polk County High School cross country runners climbed the grueling 3-miles up White Oak Mountain Road. Athletes, coaches, parents, teachers and community supporters gathered to participate in this year’s silver anniversary ascent. Cool weather and breath-taking clear blue skies heightened spirits.

Each participant making it to the top “without walking one step” signed an oath to receive the coveted T-shirt marking the accomplishment. One sleeve of the T-shirts will bare “The Kathleen Run” in memory and honor of Kathleen Peoples, sponsored by her sons head coach Alan Peoples and his brother. T-shirts will be presented at a ceremonious White Oak dinner on Monday, Oct. 14 at Harmon Field cabin.

This climb, coupled with last week’s 10-mile trek around Lake Summit in Tuxedo, N.C. will make the conference, region and state championship races seem like easy strolls for the Wolverines.

Both Wolverine squads are ranked first in the Western Highlands Conference.  The deciding 5K race will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Jackson Park at 4 p.m.

 – article by Jenny Wolfe