Albany, Georgia, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Grace Christian Cougars cross country team exhibited remarkable performances at the GIAA Region 3AA Championship held in Albany, Georgia. Walker Elrod secured his spot at the state meet by finishing first in the boys’ race, while Margaret Chastain did the same for the girls’ team with an impressive eighth-place finish. The boys’ team secured third place overall. The Cougars are gearing up for the upcoming GIAA State Cross Country Meet, where they aim for the state title.
Exciting Results from the GIAA Region 3AA Championship in Albany, Georgia
The Grace Christian Cougars cross country team showcased their talent at the GIAA Region 3AA Championship last Wednesday at Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Georgia. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the runners were ready to go, and the Cougars did not disappoint!
Walker Elrod Shines in Boys’ Race
Among the standout performances, Walker Elrod led the charge for the boys by qualifying for the GIAA State Cross Country Meet after an impressive win in the boys’ 5,000-meter finals. He finished with a time of 16:15.41, which gave him a phenomenal lead of one minute and six seconds over the second-place finisher. This was a remarkable improvement for Elrod, as he shaved nearly one minute off his previous region meet time of 17:13.61 from last year.
In addition to Elrod’s victory, the team saw great contributions from freshmen Perry Glenn and Houston Sanders, who finished 15th and 16th, respectively, with times of 21:40.66 and 21:47.69. Asa Adams also had a solid performance, placing 17th with a time of 21:50.66, while Abram Anderson rounded out the team’s scoring in 25th place with a time of 24:44.73. Thanks to these outstanding efforts, the boys’ team secured third place in the 3AA Region Championship with a total score of 60 and an average time of 21:15.
Margaret Chastain Qualifies for State Meet
On the girls’ side, freshman Margaret Chastain also made waves by finishing in eighth place in the 5,000-meter run finals. Her time of 24:05.70 not only earned her a spot at the state meet but also marked an impressive improvement from her previous region meet time of 24:28.20, as she cut down nearly 43 seconds.
It’s worth noting that the top four finishers in each region, along with the next eight best marks, are eligible to compete at the state meet. Chastain’s qualification means that both the boys’ and girls’ teams will have representation at the upcoming competition.
Looking Ahead to the State Championships
The GIAA State Cross Country Meet is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, at Middle Georgia State University. The Cougars will compete not just for pride but also for the coveted state title!
Highlights from Other Teams
While the Cougars excelled, it’s worth mentioning that Sherwood Christian Academy’s girls’ team clinched the GIAA Region 3-AA championship for the fourth consecutive year. Notable performances included Isabel Kelley from Southland Academy, who secured the individual crown in the girls’ event.
Sherwood showcased its dominance by placing five runners in the top ten, with Kaylee Hatcher finishing third, Jordyn Ban fourth, Sydney Dampier fifth, and Sarah Postlewaite rounding out the top six.
With both the Grace Christian Cougars and Sherwood squads setting their sights on the upcoming GIAA State Championships in Macon, it’s shaping up to be an exciting series of races!
FAQ Section
What was the event that the Grace Christian Cougars competed in?
The Grace Christian Cougars competed in the GIAA Region 3AA Championship.
Where did the championship take place?
The championship took place last Wednesday at Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Georgia.
Who qualified for the GIAA State Cross Country Meet?
Walker Elrod and Margaret Chastain both qualified for the GIAA State Cross Country Meet.
What were the results for the boys’ team?
The boys’ team earned third place in the 3AA Region Championship with a total score of 60 and an average time of 21:15.
When is the GIAA State Cross Country Meet?
The GIAA State Cross Country Meet is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, at Middle Georgia State University.
Key Features of the GIAA Region 3AA Championship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | GIAA Region 3AA Championship |
| Location | Sherwood Christian Academy, Albany, Georgia |
| Date | Last Wednesday |
| Key Finishers (Boys) | Walker Elrod (1st), Perry Glenn (15th), Houston Sanders (16th) |
| Team Result (Boys) | 3rd place with a score of 60 |
| Key Finishers (Girls) | Margaret Chastain (8th) |
| State Meet Date | Saturday, Oct. 25 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Post Searchlight
- Albany Herald: Sherwood Christian Girls Capture Region Title
- Albany Herald: Two Sophomores, Two Titles
- Albany Herald: Sherwood Christian Sweeps Region Titles
- MaxPreps: Albany GA Football Rankings
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