Appomattox County High School freshman Elly Nash won today's Dogwood District Girls Cross Country Championship, coming in first place with a time of 20:18 in the 5k race.

Nash was awarded as the 2024-25 Dogwood District Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

The meet was held at Oak Ridge Estate & Farm in Shipman. The host school was Nelson County.

Nash has won multiple cross country races this year and is glad to hold the Dogwood District Runner of the Year plaque in her hands.

"It feels good, all the hard work has paid off," she said. "We work on the track, I swim, and we do a lot of miles at practice."

Nash, who deals with scoliosis, said she was feeling some pain in one hip prior to today's race but was able to push through for the victory. She explained that she typically doesn't feel any pain until after a race. She uses hot tub and massage therapy and stretching exercise as treatments.

Appomattox's first-year head coach Amy Trent noted Nash's ability to deal with challenges and her tenacious desire to compete.

"She does not let anything get in her way, I can tell you," she said. "If something's bothering her, she runs through it. She's an amazing young woman."

"She is a stubborn, stubborn young woman, and I love that about her," Trent added in complimentary fashion. "It is a good kind of stubborn. She knows what she wants and she's gonna make it happen. She doesn't give any excuses."

Nash also expresses a sense of satisfaction in her Raider teammates' accomplishments and appreciates the way they support her and each other.

"My teammates, they push me a lot, especially the boys on my team, and I like seeing everyone come in and cheering everyone on," she said.

Likewise, Trent praised the Raider runners' efforts in 2024 and feels good about the direction of the program.

"I'm incredibly proud of them," she said. "This is my first season, and so we've had to learn how to work with each other. They've all been very patient with me but they have all bonded together and learned to run together and learn the importance of team, and I think it showed here with everyone coming in together and pushing each other along. So, I'm incredibly proud of them and so excited for the future of our program."

The top 15 runners in the boys and girls divisions were recognized after the race. Madison Martin finished third for the Appomattox girls, and Julie Goodman was 11th.

Clay Hamilton was the Raiders' top boys runner, placing fourth. Teammate Christian Goodman was right behind Hamilton in fifth place. Lucas Hunter finished 12th for Appomattox.

The boys individual winner was Shane Stevens of Altavista with a time of 16:15.

Galileo Magnet High School won the boys and girls team competitions.

Comprehensive final time results have not yet been posted.

More information will be provided in the Nov. 6 edition of the Times Virginian.

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