The Ada High School Cross Country team kicked off their season with a strong performance at the Marlow Outlaw Invitational on Aug. 27, a meet that coaches Leslie Landrum and Jaron Keith describes as one of their favorites to start the season. “What a fun day to be an ADA COUGAR RUNNER!” Landrum said, capturing the excitement of the team’s early success.
The Marlow Invitational is a strategic race for the Cougars, allowing both the girls’ and boys’ teams to ease into their competitive mileage. The girls compete in a one-mile race, while the boys tackle a two-mile course, providing a manageable yet challenging introduction to the season’s demands. As coach Landrum pointed out, “Our girls and guys are able to ease into their mileage and really get a feel for a race.”
This year’s race was particularly significant for the freshmen runners, two of whom earned medals for their impressive performances. Naomi Coulson, a standout on the girls’ team, finished 19th out of 63 runners, securing a spot in the Top 25.
On the boys’ side, Gaius Knighten also earned a medal, placing 23rd out of 55 competitors. Their achievements highlight the depth of talent in Ada’s younger ranks and set a promising tone for the season.
Ada High School’s cross country classification fluctuates each year, and this season they find themselves competing in 5A. The team’s early success at Marlow suggests they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, especially as they gear up for their next meet. Coach Landrum, coach Keith and the Cougars will be back in action on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the ECU Tiger Chase, held at the Pontotoc Technology Center. The day will start early, with the Junior High Girls’ race at 8:10, followed by the Junior High Boys, High School Girls and High School Boys.
With a solid start to the season and strong performances from both new and returning runners, Ada High School’s cross country team is poised for a competitive year.
