HS Cross Country: Shady Spring returns numerous veterans for 2025

SHADY SPRING MOVES FROM CLASS AA TO CLASS AAA THIS YEAR

The 2025 cross country season is right on the door step and it's impossible to miss the buzz surrounding both the boys and girls teams at Shady Spring High School.

Both teams return several talented veteran runners and a strong group of young up and coming talent.

The Tigers will make the move from Class AA to Class AAA under the new four-class system, but head coach Eric Lawson is still convinced his team can make a strong push for a state title.

Returning standouts Ethan Dowdy, Logan Malott, David Northrup and Caleb Rose all powered the boys team to the Region 3 title and a top-5 finish at the state meet a year ago.

Bre Crouse, Gwynn McGinnis, Raelyn Carr and Audrey Justice anchor the girls team who will battle in arguably the toughest region in the state with powerhouses Greenbrier East and Herbert Hoover.

Coach Lawson talked with me about the upcoming season and provided some insight on his team.