French Camp is scheduled to host two cross-country meets this year. At least that is the plan, although nothing is certain at this time.
“My big concern is if the meets are still going to happen,” said French Camp coach Joe Watkins. “Initially they are, but it wouldn't shock me if things change.”
The French Camp Invitational is scheduled for Sept. 12 and the French Camp Classic Oct. 17.
Ten schools have registered for the Invitational and 11 for the Classic, including East Webster, Kosciusko, Winona and Morton for both. Grace Christian, with cross country for the first time, is entered for the Invitational.
Watkins said there probably will not be any additional teams in order to limit participation
French Camp is coming off an excellent 2019 season that saw the girls team finish third at the 1A state meet and the boys fourth.
Watkins expects another banner year for the girls, with the return of four key runners and two talented additions. They are all underclassmen.
Sophomore Averie Jane Gundy earned all state honors by finishing ninth at the state meet. Her sister Olivia, an eighth grader, was 17th, junior Maddi Davis 18th and Kelsey Bridges, an eighth grader, 26th.
Add junior Emma Wright and sophomore Anna Leigh Bain to the lineup. “They will bring a lot to the team,” Watkins said. Wright has been pushing Averie Jane Gundy for the team's top spot in practice.
The boys team is without Colby Walters, who graduated after finishing sixth at last year's state meet. The team has only five runners this year, led by freshman Stratton Choppala, who was 22nd at the state meet last year. “If you saw him, he doesn't look like a runner. But man, he's getting better and better,” Watkins said.
Senior Brady Peacock, 47th last year, is counted on as a team leader by Watkins. “He's a great young man. Lots of integrity and character.”
Newcomers are Choppala's brother Ian, James Cantey and Beau McPhail. Cantey is a freshman, the other two eighth graders.
French Camp is scheduled to compete at the Saltillo Invitational Sept. 19 and the Watson High School Meet at Choctaw Trails, site of the state meet, Oct. 3. It will be either the Eagle Claw Invitational hosted by Eupora or the North Mississippi Challenge at Blue Mountain College Sept. 26, and either a meet at Madison Middle School or at Sebastopol Oct. 10.
