Luna Outpaces The Competition

Toombs County Middle school 7th grade runner Juan Luna ran in five races this season. Not one time did a runner finish in front of him, he won every single one of them to go undefeated on the season. Luna's first race was on August 28 at the Bleckley County Clash of Classes. This race was just against other 7th graders, and Luna finished with a time of 13:11 on the 2-mile course, in 1st place out of 35 runners. At his home meet, the Bulldog Invitational on September 16, Luna ran an 11:49.01, finishing 1st out of 130 male runners.

A week later at the Southern Championships hosted by Jeff Davis, Luna ran a 12:00 flat, finishing 1st out of 167 runners. On September 28, at a smaller Dodge County meet, Luna ran a 12:31 and finished 1st out of 65 runners. Finally, at the Georgia Middle School State Championships, hosted by Bleckely County on October 16, Luna ran an impressive 11:49.97 on a difficult course, finishing 1st out of 215 runners, claiming the individual State Championship. Coach Katie Goodwin had this to say about Luna, “Juan Luna had an unforgettable season. I could tell he was talented from the beginning, coming out and winning his 1st race. Each day he showed up to practice with a great attitude and strong work ethic. He pushed himself in workouts and in every race. Going into the State Meet, I thought he had the potential to win, but I knew he would have lots of competition. It was such a thrilling moment when he crossed that State finish line in 1st, just three seconds ahead of 2nd place.

“It was the perfect ending to his undefeated season, and he is so deserving. I'm very happy for Luna, and so proud of him. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish next season, and throughout his high school career as well.”