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Jorja Bessonett (left) and Isaiah Billingsley were recognized by the Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday for their individual performances at the UIL State Cross Country Meet held in Round Rock on Nov. 7. Bessonett and Billingsley each earned an individual gold medal, and both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams were named state champions. The Saltillo boys cross country team took second place at the same meet and were recognized by the commissioners. Staff photo by Tyler Lennon
County Recognition
Before a packed courtroom, the Hopkins County Commissioners Court formally recognized the Miller Grove Hornets boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, individual Hornet athletes Jorja Bessonett and Isaiah Billingsley and the Saltillo Lions boys cross country team for their outstanding performances at the 2019 UIL State Cross Country Meet held last month in Round Rock.
“People are wondering what’s going on in Hopkins County,” said Judge Robert Newsom. “When we went to the state meet, we walked away with everything. People are wondering, ‘How do you do that?’ Outstanding parents, outstanding young people, outstanding coaching. And God’s blessing—we’re just a blessed county.”
Miller Grove junior Jorja Bessonett was named Girls’ 1A State Cross Country Champion after finishing her 2-mile race with a time of 11:58.38.
Sophomore Isaiah Billingsley was named Boys’ 1A State Cross Country Champion, finishing his 5,000-meter race with a time of 15:28.38.
Both the girls’ and boys’ Hornets teams also brought home State Champion titles in the Class 1A State Cross Country Meet.
The Saltillo Lions boys’ cross country team also competed in the state UIL meet and placed second, earning silver medals. Garrett Tarver, a junior, finished third in the boys’ 5,000-meter race.
“We’re extremely proud of these guys,” said Saltillo cross country coach Bill Giles. “We started in April, throughout the whole summer and fall. We start in sixth grade, so a lot of them have been running [for years].”
“[You] are outstanding young people. I promise you, that kind of perseverance and determination is going to carry you a long way in life,” Newsom said.
District Judge Eddie Northcutt, who is a runner himself, having competed in the Boston Marathon, said, “I cannot express my appreciation and gratitude for these coaches who put in the time and dedication to these kids. Helping others, becoming the best you can be and determination — that’s what cross country does. I just applaud you, and I thank the commissioners court for making this such a big deal, because it really is.”
Sheriff Lewis Tatum also expressed his appreciation.
“I was out of breath just looking at y’all,” he quipped. “I do want to thank you — all you young men and women, the parents, the teachers and coaches. We see the negative side of things so much in our line of work. It’s wonderful to see y’all and know you’re going to come up and take care of us in the future. Hopkins County is a wonderful place to live, and it’s because of y’all.”