We’re proud to have Tristan Coy and Bella Graham represent Union County this weekend at the KHSAA State Cross Country Championships! They’ll race Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington beginning at 11:30 Central Time. There will be a community send-off for the pair this morning as they pass through Morganfield at about 10:45. We encourage everyone to show them strong support! Go Bella and Tristan!
Here are some thoughts from Coach Dustin Alsbrooks on each runner and their quest to make history:
Tristan Coy, a remarkable athlete and four-time State qualifier, stands on the brink of making history in Union County by aiming to become the first male athlete to secure a State medal since 2001. His current ranking of 14th places him in the top 15 (top 15 earn a medal), but the prospect of breaking into the Top 10 is within reach, with a mere six seconds separating him from this elite group.
But Tristan isn't the only one making waves. The young and gifted Bella Graham, a 7th grader, finds herself in rare company, as one of only five individuals in her grade to secure a place within the top 50 rankings for 2A girls. These achievements are no small feat, considering the stiff competition, with over 250 boys and more than 230 girls (with only 20 of them in 7th grade) vying for supremacy in the 2A category.
Throughout this season, Tristan Coy and Bella Graham have demonstrated unwavering dedication and an unparalleled work ethic. Tristan's tireless commitment to his sport is evident in his remarkable journey from starting this sport in 1st grade to a contender at the State Meet, a testament to countless hours of training and perseverance. His pursuit of excellence has been nothing short of inspirational, as he continually strives to close the narrow gap between himself and the Top 10. In parallel, Bella Graham, a 7th grader in her first year of cross country, has defied age norms by earning her place among the top 50 rankings for 2A girls. Her relentless determination and rigorous training regimen highlight her precocious talent and remarkable work ethic. Both Tristan and Bella's extraordinary dedication this season exemplify their boundless potential and serve as a shining example of the incredible heights that can be achieved through hard work and determination.
As their coach, I couldn't be prouder of Tristan Coy and Bella Graham for the incredible progress they've made this season. Witnessing their unwavering commitment, their passion for the sport, and the immense effort they've put into their training has been a source of immense pride. Tristan's determination to push himself to the brink and Bella's exceptional performance as a 7th grader have both been truly inspiring. It's not just their individual achievements that fill me with pride, but also the way they've embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship and resilience, setting an exceptional example for their peers. Their success is a reflection of the dedication and effort they've poured into their sports. As their coach, I couldn't be more thrilled to see them flourish, and I look forward to supporting them as they continue to reach for even greater heights in the future.