The wait is over for Polk County’s boys cross country program.
Ten years after last claiming a conference championship, the Wolverines returned to the top Tuesday at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, edging Owen 43-48 to capture the Western Highlands Conference crown.
Sophomore Liam Jackson led Polk County’s charge, finishing second overall in 18:27.9 to earn all-conference honors and pace a balanced Wolverine effort that saw six runners place in the top 17.
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“We have told them all year that they would do well,” said Polk County head coach Alan Peoples of his boys squad. “They were on fire today.”
Owen’s Craig Webb claimed individual honors, crossing the line in 16:32.8 to win by nearly two minutes. But the Wolverines’ depth proved decisive as freshmen Jacob Jenne (eighth, 20:29.8) and Davis Holbert (10th, 20:50.8) also earned all-conference recognition with top-10 finishes. Freshmen William Finch (12th, 20:55.2), Benji Ballenger (14th, 21:15.5) and junior Ethan Jenne (17th, 21:27.4) rounded out Polk County’s scoring.
Mountain Heritage finished third with 67 points, followed by Hendersonville (70) and Mitchell (143).
On the girls side, Owen dominated the team competition, scoring just 23 points to claim the conference title. Hendersonville finished second with 50 points, while Polk County placed third with 91 points.
Adella Strull of Owen won the girls individual race in 21:58.6, just ahead of Hendersonville’s Kaitlyn Dibert (22:07.1).
Polk County freshman Amberina Jenne was the Wolverines’ top finisher, taking third place in 22:25.4 to earn all-conference honors. Freshman Sadie Schweitzer added a 14th-place finish (25:25.4), followed by sophomore Khloe Kitchen (25th, 28:22.0), junior Zoe Gonzales-Estevez (37th, 33:03.8) and junior Kendra Kitchen (40th, 33:40.9).
Polk County will compete next in the 3A West Regional on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Tryon International Equestrian Center.
POLK COUNTY RESULTS
Boys
2. Liam Jackson, 18:27.9
8. Jacob Jenne, 20:29.8
10. Davis Holbert, 20:50.8
12. William Finch, 20:55.2
14. Benji Ballenger, 21:15.5
17. Ethan Jenne, 21:27.4
24. Silas Amorelli, 22:16.8
28. Caleb Young, 23:09.2
29. Jayvin Clark, 23:19.9
31. Austin Martin, 23:31.7
36. Max Butterfield, 24:19.8
38. Isaac Hodges, 24:38.2
39. Alex LaBreche, 24:42.9
43. Cameron Cole, 25:36.9
Girls
3. Amberina Jenne, 22:25.4
14. Sadie Schweitzer, 25:25.4
25. Khloe Kitchen, 28:22.0
37. Zoe Gonzales-Estevez, 33:03.8
40. Kendra Kitchen, 33:40.9
