Polk runners make annual trek to top of White Oak

Polk County’s cross country teams completed their annual trek up White Oak Mountain on Tuesday, celebrating the 27th year of what has been called the program’s “most special day.”

Members of both the boys and girls teams made the strenuous three-mile run up White Oak on a picture-perfect day.

Started in 1989 by head coach Alan Peoples, the annual White Oak run serves as a bonding exercise for the teams as they gear up for conference, state and regional competition.

The teams are scheduled to run Saturday at the 43rd Trailblazer Invitational in Johnson City, Tenn., then take part in a pre-conference meet on Tuesday at Jackson Park in Hendersonville. The Wolverines will then compete Oct. 21 in the Western Highlands Conference meet, also at Jackson Park.