McKenzie Girls' Cross-Country Team Honored with Proclamation

McKENZIE (February 12) — During Tuesday night's McKenzie City Council meeting, Mayor Ryan Griffin and the City Council honored the McKenzie High School Cross Country team for their success at the state championship in 2025 with a proclamation declaring February 12, 2026, as McKenzie High School Cross-Country Team Day.

"The McKenzie City Council takes great pride in saluting our exceptional young female athletes who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship while representing McKenzie High School, achieving an impressive third place in the state championship," said Mayor Griffin, reading from the proclamation.

The proclamation recognized individuals Abigail Wallace, who finished as a state runner-up; Autumn Haywood, who placed eighth; Bella Sass, who came in eighteenth place; Ava Hastings and Sophia Dameron, who contributed to the top five and secured overall third place; and Gracie Aird and Morgan Little for their participation in the state meet.

"It is with genuine pride that we celebrate McKenzie's reputation for having an exceptional ladies' team that is truly formidable…We want to emphasize that this was a collective team effort and acknowledge the entire team for their efforts," read Mayor Griffin.

The following members of the McKenzie High School cross-country team attended the city meeting to accept the proclamation: Sophie Dameron, Riley Rogers, Abigail Wallace, Bella Sass, Mary Ryan Morris, Autumn Haywood and Coach Beth Mathis.