In the world of South Carolina high school cross country, Greer Middle College could be considered a dynasty.
The GMC Blazer boys have won the past seven consecutive state championships (eight total since 2014) and the girls have won back-to-back state titles (five total and two runner-ups over the last seven years).
And this year’s group? They’re poised for more.
After sweeping the 2A state qualifier races last weekend in Newberry, the Blazer teams will be competing this Saturday, Nov. 14 at the state championships at Aiken Steeplechase.
“Every year since Coach David Smith was the head coach, our goal has never changed,” GMC head coach Angie Dentler said. “It has always simply been to ‘be the best we can be on the last day of the season.’ If we all are at our best, we have a fighting chance of bringing home another two titles. But ultimately, we will celebrate being our best even if we don’t bring home the trophy.”
After graduating over 20 seniors from last year’s teams – seven of which are currently running in college – the Blazers retooled with young runners stepping up and immediately contributing.
In the qualifiers, GMC ran junior Jabine Hughey, sophomores Brayden Tiernan and Heyward Smith, and eighth-grader Connor Moynihan alongside their established runners.
The girls side also showed tremendous depth by utilizing senior Bella Silletti, sophomore Marlow McGrane, freshman Kalina Strong, and eighth-grader McKinley Nye in the qualifiers.
“While we certainly miss our alumni, the younger kids are enjoying stepping out of the shadows and are ready to make their own claim on a championship season,” Dentler said.
During the qualifying races, teammates Ella Hammon and Ally Hyman finished back-to-back at third and fourth, separated by a mere 0.06.
Dentler said the competition between the girls has fueled them both and continues to make both even better runners.
“They work perfectly together in races and workouts,” Dentler said. “I love how their unique personalities and strengths complement each other so well. Ella brings the focus and Ally brings the stress relief.”
On the boys side, Maxwell Milani shook off early-season injuries to hit his stride just in time, placing second overall at 17:33.96.
“He’s finding his rhythm again just in time for championship season,” Dentler noted.
But for all the trophies and accolades, the GMC head coach notes that the behind-the-scenes work ethic is what she’s equally proud of.
“Cross country is a sport that is won at 6:30 a.m. summer practices and mile repeats in 90-degree weather,” she said. “The most challenging parts of races are happening on the course where there are very few fans. These are not kids who are competing for the thrill of a packed house on a Friday night. They’re competing for their teammates and the curiosity of just how far they can push themselves.”
