For the second consecutive year, the McIntosh Varsity Girls finished second at the 5A state Championship. On Fri., Nov. 8, for the 2024 State title, the team attained 152 points which secured their spot as finalists in their second consecutive year. The team’s performance came on one of the most difficult courses in the nation at Carrollton, where other factors like humidity and the heat contributed to the labor required for completing the course.

The first runner for the Golden Eagles in 17th position was junior Madi Stoots in which she finished with a time of 20:39. She was able to stay within the top 20 positions throughout the race. Freshman Carly Maday paced first lap working her way back to finish in 26th position.

However it didn’t end here for the chiefs as Junior Sydney Maranzo had a noteworthy performance, finishing in 28th place with a time of 21:30. This race was her best performance of the season at a key moment. Senior Kirsten Rose helped the team climb in ranks as in the final 400 meters she was able to overtake several crucial competitors and finish with a time of 21:39.

Sophomore Jadeyn Harvey placed 65th with a time of  22:26, which beat Decatur high’s 5th runner and gave McIntosh a three point advantage and secured the second-place position. Sophomore Maddie Will and Senior Lorelei Bryant also scored for the team. McIntosh High School was one of the two teams in the field that had all of its runners in the top 100.