Championship expectations return to Sherwood

ALBANY — Winning a state championship is difficult.

Defending one can be even harder.

Sherwood Christian Academy’s girls cross country team will find out this fall as the defending GIAA Class AA state champions begin a season with a target squarely on their backs. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ boys team enters the year with unfinished business after falling one spot short of a region championship a year ago.

Together, the two teams give Sherwood reason to believe another memorable season could be on the horizon.

Leading the Lady Eagles is senior standout Kaylee Hatcher, who rewrote the school record book last season by becoming the first Sherwood runner to break the 20-minute barrier. Hatcher’s school-record time of 19 minutes, 58.53 seconds helped propel the Lady Eagles to both the region and GIAA Class AA state championships while earning her a fifth-place finish at the state meet.

Now, the challenge changes.

Instead of chasing a championship, the Lady Eagles will spend the season trying to defend one.

The Sherwood boys have a different mission.

After finishing as the region runner-up last fall, the Eagles return determined to climb one spot higher. Leading that pursuit is Natnael Russell, whose school-record time of 16:47.62 established him as one of the state’s premier distance runners.

If Sherwood hopes to sweep the region titles this season, the road won’t be easy.

In fact, it may be the program’s toughest challenge yet.

Region realignment has added perennial contenders Valwood School and Brookwood School to GIAA Class AA, creating what could become one of the state’s most competitive cross country regions. Brookwood, in particular, has built one of Georgia’s strongest programs, giving Sherwood another measuring stick as it pursues championships.

Rather than shy away from the tougher competition, the Eagles welcome it.

Athletic director Jay Flynt believes the challenge will only make the program stronger.

“I’m excited for the fall and the new changes,” Flynt said. “I think our cross-country team is ready for another run this fall, too. Coach Byrd does a great job, and we’re excited for their season that starts soon.”

Sherwood officially opens the season Aug. 15 by hosting the Sherwood Around the Cross Invitational, giving the Eagles an opportunity to begin the year in front of family, friends and community supporters.

While championships remain the goal, Flynt said the program’s purpose reaches far beyond the finish line.

“Our chief purpose is to bring glory to God in everything we do, whether in competition, training, academics or the way we represent Christ off the course,” Flynt said. “We believe success is measured by more than trophies and medals, and we strive to honor God through excellence, character and service.”

If another championship trophy finds its way back to Sherwood this fall, the Eagles will gladly celebrate it.

Inside the program, however, Flynt said success has always been measured by something greater than a place on the podium.