Story by Charlie Bateman, Williamson Herald

Claire Stegall made a splash in distance running as Nolensville High School freshman last year, but a stress fracture kept her from competing in the Cross Country State Championships.

On Friday, the sophomore claimed her first overall title – and third TSSAA championship after running to the 1,600- and 3,200-meter during the spring – by winning the Class AAA cross country championship at Sanders Ferry Park.

"I am very excited to win state," said Stegall, who finished in 17 minutes, 52.04 seconds. "I just wanted to come out here and give a good effort. I am so thankful to God that I was able to be here and wasn't hurt."

Centennial freshman Larkin Johnson out-kicked Brentwood sophomore Rachel Haws for second place. Johnson ran 18:40.47 and Haws closed in 18:41.28.

The Bruins clinched a third consecutive state championship Friday with Haws, Lydia Cromwell (5th in 18:56.29) and Lauren Banovac (10th in 19:08.94) all reaching the podium.

"Throughout the entire season we have worked so hard," Haws said. "The reason we have been able to do so well is our training and motivation.

"It doesn't matter if it is a state meet or a smaller one, we are going to do our best."

Ravenwood's lone state qualifier – Jordan Rayl – finished in eighth place in 19:05.23, while Johnson's Centennial teammate Rhys Ammon (17th in 19:38.64) and Brentwood's Lola Baker (18th in 19:43.77) were just off the podium.

The Independence girls finished seventh and Nolensville was eighth.

"I am excited for the incoming freshman next year," Stegall said. "I think we can keep growing as a program and maybe do better at state next year, even though we are losing a few seniors."