Tyynismaa Makes History in Leading Montgomery Catholic to Top State Finish

Montgomery Catholic Eighth Grade runner Amaris Tyynismaa sets new records at the AHSAA State meet November 8 and comes home as the 4A State Champion. (Photo by Bryan Bunch)

At the AHSAA State Cross Country Championships at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park near Moulton, AL on Saturday, November 8, 2014 Montgomery Catholic’s Amaris Tyynismaa shattered a multitude of records in becoming the fastest female runner in AHSAA history.  Tyynismaa clocked a very impressive 17:03.04 time over the 5000 meter course which broke the 4A, meet, and course record formerly held by Carmen Carlos Carlos of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School by over 15 seconds. In addition to making Amaris the fastest runner in Alabama this year, her time puts her in the top 15 nationally for all high school runners. 

The Racing Knights finished fourth in the team competition as all of the girls on the team ran personal best times or season best times.  Montgomery Catholic placed all five scorers in the top 30 as freshman Katelyn Stark finished 18^th and eighth grader Grace Leslie, freshman Sarah Beth Littrell, and senior Carlye Schmidt packed together in 25^th, 27^th, and 28^th. Other finishers on the team included freshman Annabel Starrett, eighth grader Chloe Smith, senior Ann Faulkner, senior Katie Reeves, and junior Lacy Herbek.

For the Boys, Montgomery Catholic qualified three individuals.  Eighth grader Grant Walker emerged as one of the best of his year group in the state with his sparkling 16th place finish in 17:34.91.  His time establishes him as the best eighth grader in MCPS Cross Country history.  Junior Patrick Gregorius powered home in a personal best of 18:39.71 for 53^rd and was followed closely by sophomore Angel Padilla in 18:49.07.

This marked the ninth consecutive year that Montgomery Catholic has sent at least one full team to the State Championships in Cross Country and the sixth year in a row that at least one All State performer was named from the team.  Amaris is the first individual state champion in the sport from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.

The Racing Knights are coached by John Terino and assistant coach Brianna Lisenby.

Congratulations on a great season! 
Story and photos submitted by John Terino

Montgomery Catholic Girls Cross Country Team at the AHSAA State Meet.

Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights pray before the AHSAA State Cross Country Meet.