For Lake Oconee Academy’s middle school cross country team, success isn’t always measured by first-place finishes. Sometimes, it’s found in a personal record, a faster time, or the progress made since last season.
Competing through steep hills, intense heat, and more indoor training due to heat than Coach Carina Baxley can remember, Titan runners have embraced the season with determination, resilience, and a commitment to improving every time they step to the starting line.
That dedication continues to pay off. At the team’s most recent meet, eighth-grade runner Brecken Hill set a new LOA Middle School Girls 3K school record, crossing the finish line in 11:39.04. Teammate Daniel Rodriguez, seven grade, also turned in an outstanding performance, setting a new personal record of 10:58:02 in the 3K and finishing just three seconds shy of the school record.
The success extended throughout the middle school team, with nearly every middle school runner recording a new personal record—a reflection of the steady progress that has defined the Titans’ season.
For Coach Carina Baxley, those accomplishments tell a story far bigger than medals or trophies.
“More than the trophies or race results, I’m proud of the way our Titans continue to push themselves and each other to get better. Through the heat, hills, and challenges of this season, our athletes have shown incredible resilience—and their growth is proof that the hard work is paying off!”
For Brecken, the significance of the achievement became clear when she learned she had broken the school record.
“I found out after the race was over that I had broken the school record, and it made me feel really proud because I knew I had given it everything I had,” Brecken said. “Coach Baxley always pushes us to do our best, and I’m really grateful for everything she does for our team.”
Individual accomplishments like these are also the result of a team culture built on encouragement, perseverance, and shared success. Every runner, whether setting a school record, earning a personal best, or cheering a teammate across the finish line, contributes to the program’s continued growth. At Lake Oconee Academy, those qualities define success just as much as the finish line, reflecting the ONE Titan spirit of growing stronger together.