ADDISON MOORE won gold medals at the AAU Junior Olympics in North Carolina and set a national record in the 3000-meter run. (Photo submitted)
WCHS TRACK STARS are pictured at the AAU Junior Olympics in North Carolina. From left is Ryan Hendrix, Jase Crume and Maggie Twehues. (Photo by Kelly Crume)
After dominating in the local and regional qualifiers, a handful of Woodford County athletes traveled to Greensboro, NC July 30-Aug. 6 to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics. Despite the heat and stiff competition, the Track Jackets had a terrific showing as most WCHS athletes are preparing to begin the cross country season. Addison Moore not only defended her gold medal performances in 2021, but she also put on a record-setting performance in the process. Moore earned All-American status and won the 14-year-old national championship in the 1500-meter run while beating her person-best time by two seconds (4:38.08). Moore then shattered the national record by five seconds on her way to her second gold medal in the 3000-meter run (9:57.45). Moore earned her third All-American status by placing fourth in the girls’ 14-year-old 800-meter run (2:15.90). Moore said as she was coming close to breaking the national 3000-meter record, she could hear the stadium announcer calling her name and keeping the fans in tune to how close she was to making history. “It was pretty wild because they were announcing over the stadium and I was trying to find the gear to close it out,” said Moore. “I try to work as hard as I can and by doing so, I know I have a shot of having a good result. I also try not to overthink things. I take everything one race at a time and each race is unique. I have a real passion for running and an amazing support system from my family and friends. God gave me this talent and ability, which motivates me to keep working harder.” Maggie Twehues finished 12th in the girls’ 17-18-year-old 1500-meter run and finished with a personal record (5:11.14). Twehues also finished 10th in the girls’ 3000-meter run (11:46.11). Gabby Gampper competed in the girls’ 14-year-old 800-meter run (2:39.14) and finished 54th. “I had a lot of fun competing against many great athletes,” said Gampper. “It was much more relaxed than I thought it would be. Everyone was friendly, and I certainly enjoyed that part of the experience. One of my favorite things about track and cross country is the team’s closeness. I have been running cross country since first grade and have built an extra family from it. Last year I had some health issues and couldn’t compete for a while, but everyone still made me feel like a big part of the team. I am grateful for all of the experiences.” Hannah McColl finished 13th in the 12-year-old 100-meter dash (12.93) and 25th in the 200-meter dash (26.97). Jase Crume placed ninth in the boys’ 17-18-year-old 1500-meter run (4:05.49). Crume’s time was a 9.05 second personal best, and he finished just .20 out of All-American status in the race. Crume then earned All-American with a bronze medal in the boys’ 3000-meter run while running a personal best (9:01.01). “I think I needed to prove to myself that I could compete at this level and now that I have, I feel like I am a top contender in the state,” said Crume. “I am proud of all the Woodford kids. Everyone worked hard for this experience. I have to keep working hard and be ready for the hot meets coming up when cross country season meets begin next week.” Ryan Hendrix finished 14th in the boys’ 15-16-year-old 1500-meter run (4:17.29). Hendrix also placed 10th in the boys’ 3000-meter run (9:24.15). Chase Thurman finished 26th in the boys’ 15-16-year-old javelin (122 feet, eight inches). Thurman also finished 18th in the pole vault (11 feet, 5.80 inches).