On Saturday, August 24, Marietta hosted its annual cross country meet, the Red River
Showdown, just like they have for the past several years. But when it came time to plan
the meet, there was a problem.
“This year we had to move our meet,” said AD/Cross Country Coach Tanica Anderson.
The meet has always been run in Legacy Park behind Mercy Health Love County, but
because of the debris still left behind from the April tornado, the usual course was a no-
go. So, Anderson and her group of volunteers put their heads – and some heavy
equipment – together and came up with an alternate plan.
“REA, Bolton Fortune, Scott Presley, and Bobby and Lisa Anderson helped to build and
clear out a new course behind the softball field,” said Anderson. “They made it as safe
as possible for all the student athletes to run on. Without them we wouldn’t have had a
cross country meet. We are thankful for their help, and so grateful that we have a
community that supports us like that.”
Tripp Presley was the highest finisher for the high school team, running in seventh
place.
The Junior High Lady Indians placed fourth as a team, with top-20 finishers Cielo Salas
in third, Amari Barrios in seventh, and Cali Finch in 17 th place.