The Harlan cross country team has had an impressive season. The Green Dragons’ coaches attribute this season’s accomplishments to the leadership the two senior Lady Dragons have supplied to the team.
Abbigaile Jones has been a member of the team for four years.
“We’ve had the pleasure to get to know Abbie over the last four years,” Harlan cross country coach Anne Lindsey said. “We’ve watched her grow from a young inexperienced runner to one with depth, wisdom and a strategic mindset. She sets goals for herself and works hard to attain them.”
“Abbie has been with us for four years now. In that time she has grown as an athlete and as a leader,” coach Mike Pace says. “She continues to inspire us with her dedication and spirit.”
Ella Farley has been with the team for two years.
“She is a clutch runner,” Lindsey said. “She works hard and is dependable. Her injuries have held her back from competing as she would have liked this season, but she has consistently put in the work to overcome those setbacks. We are thrilled that she’ll be able to run with us one last time at region.”
“She is a great teammate. Although she has battled some injuries this season, she has continued to step up for her team when they need her most,” Pace said.
The coaches talk about the impact Jones and Farley have made on the team’s younger athletes.
“I feel honored to have been a part of Abbie and Ella’s senior year on the Harlan cross country team. They are amazing role models for our younger runners,” coach Erin Alred said. “I will be sad to watch them finish their last races, but also so proud because I’ve been able to witness all the hard work they put in to accomplish their goals; not only for themselves but for their teammates. I know they will make us proud as they continue their journey.”
“Abbie and Ella are two incredible young ladies. They are both hardworking and determined, selfless and kind, and great leaders,” Lindsey said. “These young ladies are so special to us. It’s hard to imagine a cross country season without them. I know that wherever life takes them next they will thrive, lead and serve. We are so proud of them!”
“My daughter will be graduating with Abbie and Ella, so I have known them since they were in preschool,” Harlan High School Principal Mike Bolton said. “I taught them as freshmen and know that both of them are very intelligent and determined young ladies. That determination is also on display every time they compete in a cross country race. I am very proud of the success that Abbie and Ella have had as student athletes here at Harlan High School. As seniors, we will miss them in the halls of HHS, but I know they both will go on to do great things.”