West Lauderdale Captures Third Straight State Cross Country Title

In a remarkable display of athleticism, West Lauderdale High School secured its third consecutive Class 4A State Championship in cross country on November 1, 2025. Under the guidance of head coach Paul Shelly, the Knights showcased their strength and perseverance, culminating in a triumphant season that highlighted both team and individual accomplishments.

Walton Shines with Second Individual Title

Senior runner Hunter Walton played a pivotal role in the Knights’ victory by clinching his second straight Class 4A individual state championship. Walton finished with an impressive time of 16:18, a significant improvement of 52 seconds from his time in the previous year’s state meet. His performance not only earned him All-State honors for the third consecutive year but also demonstrated his dedication to the sport as he prepares to continue his running career on a scholarship at Meridian Community College in 2026.

“If you work hard, day in and day out, and you make the sacrifices you need to make, it’s all a matter of that commitment,” Shelly stated. “If you do that, you can accomplish anything.” Walton’s determination and training regime, which included rigorous off-season mileage, contributed to his outstanding performance.

Team Achievements and Future Prospects

This year’s championship victory held special significance for Shelly, as it came in the face of tough competition, particularly from a previously strong rival. “Corinth was in Class 5A last year, so there wasn’t a lot of drama to it,” he noted. Alongside Walton, two other runners from West Lauderdale earned All-State honors: Ryan Thompson, who placed sixth with a time of 17:05, and Aaron Walls, who finished ninth with a time of 17:34. Both runners improved upon their previous marks, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.

“Ryan was second on the team this season as a 10th grader,” Walton remarked, highlighting Thompson’s potential for the upcoming seasons. “He’ll continue to succeed as long as he continues to work hard.” Shelly echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in Thompson’s abilities and the overall strength of the team moving forward.

Other notable performances included Brody Gresset, who finished just outside the All-State honors in 15th place, and several other contributors, such as Sawyer Windham (20th, 18:05), Stone Berg (35th, 18:34), and Owen Allen (48th, 19:02). The collective effort of the team has been crucial to their success this season, with Shelly acknowledging the importance of avoiding injuries and the impact of consistent training.

Looking ahead, Shelly is optimistic about the team’s prospects. “Every runner on this team has made a difference this year,” he stated, emphasizing the need to begin off-season training to maintain their competitive edge.

The girls’ team also made a commendable showing, finishing third in the Girls’ Class 4A State meet with an average finish time of 22:02. Jordan Shields and Maggie Graham both earned All-State honors, finishing sixth and tenth, respectively. Other contributors included Nora Peterson (22nd, 22:28), Ruby Fairchild (23rd, 22:31), Alli Walton (25th, 22:36), Abbie Cruse (34th, 23:00), and Lydia Stewart (45th, 23:29).

As the season concludes, both teams have set a foundation for continued success. Coach Shelly’s message to his runners remains clear: the journey is as important as the destination, and with hard work and dedication, the Knights are poised for even greater achievements in the future.