MK-8 X Country Excels at Dolphin Dash Invitational 2025

By: Shelia Mader

The sport of cross country may still be in its early stages at Marianna K-8, but its impact is already being felt. Not only are the Bullpups putting themselves on the map at the middle school level, but they are also laying the foundation for continued success when these athletes move up to Marianna High School. Saturday’s season-opening meet at the Dolphin Dash Invitational 2025 made that message clear.

The MK-8 girls’ team turned in a strong showing, finishing third overall out of six schools. The boys weren’t far behind, placing fifth in a crowded field of 10 teams. Between the two squads, the Bullpups boasted four top-10 finishers, a feat that speaks volumes about both the present and future of the program.

For the Lady Bullpups, it was a one-two punch at the front of the pack. Kate Barton claimed fourth place in 14:25.70, while teammate Julia Flowers followed closely in fifth place with a time of 14:39.00. Their top-tier performances anchored the girls’ team effort and set the tone for the rest of the squad.

The Bullpup boys answered with some top-10 firepower of their own. Lennox Hodge clocked in at 12:28.0 to take fifth place, while Keith Cummings was hot on his heels, finishing sixth at 12:29.40.

Rounding out the Lady Bullpup finishers were:

Ny’Yomi White – 32nd (18:12.10)

Harper Hatcher – 37th (18:18.30)

Kaylan Hasty – 37th (18:40.70)

Lucy Dugas – 42nd (19:31.10)

Rachel Smith – 46th (20:01.70)

Issabella Foulks – 48th (20:11.80)

In total, 84 runners competed in the girls’ field.

The Bullpup boys also showed impressive depth, with five athletes in the top 50 out of a field of 100:

Ayden Brown – 15th (12:58.10)

John Tyler – 39th (14:42.50)

Mayson Sourbeck – 45th (15:16.38)

Blake Campbell – 53rd (15:55.00)

Lukas Perkins – 61st (16:40.80)

Also finishing for the Bullpups were Antonio Thomas (86th, 20:20.70) and Cedrick Clemmons (88th, 20:31.80).

With their opening meet behind them, the Bullpups have already proven that cross country has a place at Marianna K-8. More importantly, the program continues to build momentum that will only strengthen the pipeline feeding into Marianna High School, where the future of Bulldog distance running looks brighter with every stride.