AVONDALE — Wednesday was a successful day for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) athletics as the Gryphons picked up wins in cross country, golf, and tennis.
Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams dominated at the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Pre-Conference meet.
The women’s team won by 22 points, while the men’s team won by 15 points.
Michael Ledbetter led the way for the men’s team, finishing in the top spot with a time of 20:07.60. Owen Pierce finished fourth overall with a time of 21:46.00. Ryan Byrd (8th, 22:59.60), Caden Farrington (10th, 23:27.70), Mac Beard (11th, 23:36.70), Isaac Hill (14th, 24:28.70), Ethan Heiner (15th, 24:30.30), Ben Blair (18th, 24:54.30), and Eli Lineberger (21st, 26:14.90) rounded out the day for the Gryphons.
On the women’s side, TJCA claimed four of the top-six spots. Sophia Smart finished second with a time of 23:52.30 to go along with a third-place from Stella Friedman, who posted a time of 24:46.30. Audrey Friedman (5th, 25;07.30), Maggie Beard (6th, 25:48.10), Lillian McMurry (10th, 27:44.10), Hattie Hamrick (12th, 29:02.20), Alayna Simmons (13th, 29:31.00), Leigha Burroughs (21st, 33:26.99), Maylan Maxwell (24th, 34:06.30), Sammy Florient (26th, 35:06.80), and Ella Pierce (28th, 42:45.90) rounded out the stellar Lady Gryphons performance.
In women’s golf, TJCA bested three other teams to handily win the match yesterday. Sarah Kate Dobbins was a medalist, shooting 44 to lead the team. Anna Tate (47), Delaney Kinter (55), Julissa Bell (57), Morgan Spears (57), Annmarie Willis (59).
The women’s tennis team defeated Crest 5-4. Lucy Logan, Emerson Brooks, Madison McComas and Addison Milner picked up wins in singles action, while Logan and Brooks won their doubles match for the decisive victory.
On Thursday evening, the JV and Varsity volleyball teams faced a tough matchup in Highland Tech, ultimately falling in straight sets. It was the varsity team’s first conference loss as they now are 2-1. Both teams will host East Gaston on Tuesday.
The varsity football team dropped its contest to Community School of Davidson, 38-14. David Hargro and Dezmin Santiago each had a touchdown in the contest. Hargro was on the receiving end of a Jace Gibbon pass and Santiago had a pick-six to account for the scoring.
The Gryphons will have a bye week next week.