The Long County Blue Tide cross country teams have had successful seasons over the last few years and 2024 was arguably one of their best. The boys team finished as region runner-up while the girls won the region crown for the first time. Both qualified for the state meet for the second year in a row.

The 2025 season promises to be just as exciting for the Blue Tide and head coach David White is excited about their chances. He’s had high hopes due to their work during the summer.

“The athletes have been coming all summer, three days a week,” White said. “We stress to them that they all matter. The lowest ranked runner pushes the next one up to be better to stay up and this continues all the way to the top. So even though only seven run at state, it is because of their work as well as the work of the others pushing them to be better.”

Last year, Shawn Young won his third individual region championship in four years. Although he could not compete at the state level due to an injury, his impact will be missed with the team this year.

White now looks to Trevor Kuchar, a senior, to step up and take his spot as the team’s top runner.

“He is capable and has worked hard this summer,” White said of Kuchar.

Kuchar has been the number two runner for the Tide behind Young and has gotten better with each season. He was only two minutes behind Young’s best time by the end of the 2024 season.

For the girls, Macey Higgason should be the literal front runner for the team again. In three years, Higgason has either won the individual region championship or placed second.

White hopes that she will continue her dominance. but also will look to a few others to help the team repeat as region champions.

“Mackenzie Spurgeon, Cayla Soule and Braelyn Knowles have worked hard and are leaders at times when needed,” White said. “They look to be important to our success as well as Macey.”

When looking forward to the season, White said the goal was simple. They expect to compete.

“I expect us to compete for the region championship in both divisions, as well as continue to carry both teams to state,” White said.

The cross country team will open the 2025 season on Saturday, August 16 in the Peach State Preview in Hazlehurst.