CARROLLTON, Ga. — The Johns Creek High School Cross Country team displayed remarkable resilience and program strength this past weekend at the GHSA State Cross Country Championship at Carrollton High School. Highlighted by a podium performance that solidified the girls' squad as a true legacy team in Georgia, along with an inspiring show of grit from the boys' lineup, the Gladiators proved their character on the state's toughest 5K course.
Girls’ Squad: A Legacy Team on the State Stage
With another dominant performance on the big stage, the Lady Gladiators officially cemented themselves as a legacy team in the state of Georgia. Earning the State Runner-Up trophy, Johns Creek claimed 2nd place overall for the second consecutive year and reached the state podium for an incredible third straight year. Adding to the statement victory, the Lady Gladiators convincingly outpaced major region and state rivals Creekview and Milton.
Ava Reames set the pace for Johns Creek, earning an impressive 16th-place individual finish with a time of 20:12.49.
Isabella Skeens (30th, 20:50.65), Hayden Huston (31st, 20:55.92), and Tasneem Ahmed (32nd, 21:00.23) executed a masterclass in pack running, crossing the line within ten seconds of one another to lock down low points.
Molly Lovelace (50th, 21:27.47), Amber Rossi (52nd, 21:28.20), and Riley Beaton (78th, 22:00.04) provided crucial depth and displacement to seal the runner-up finish.
Boys’ Squad: Toughness and Heart Under Fire
While illness and injury hit the boys' roster at the worst possible time leading into the championship weekend, the Gladiators showed what true team culture looks like. Refusing to withdraw or back down, every runner on the line fought through physical hardship to finish the race and ensure Johns Creek put up a complete team result.
David Laughlin led the effort with a gutsy performance, finishing 70th overall in 17:51.57.
Lincoln Hipp dug deep through the final mile to cross in 18:16.83 (98th).
Jaden Krieger delivered a strong effort as the top freshman finisher for the Gladiators, recording an 18:52.65 (138th).
James Uptegraph (19:00.33), Clarke Boy (19:01.74), Chase James (19:05.21), and Caleb Coffman (19:35.41) demonstrated relentless perseverance, tackling Carrollton's punishing hills to complete the scoring effort.
The willingness of the boys' squad to step up, support each other, and battle through adversity highlighted the strength and character of the program.
Congratulations to all the Gladiator runners, coaches, and supporters on a championship meet that defined both excellence and heart!
