Our Runners In The News!

September 2024 - Awesome Alumni Alert

How AWESOME is this?! Three of our Great Strides alumni raced today at the Southern Showcase in Alabama! As they have done through Middle and high school - they found each other after the race. Those Great Strides friendships have lasted from middle school, through different high schools, and now onto three different colleges! It was extra special to see that all their parents found each other at the meet too!! Now to give their results a huge shoutout! Every one of them has a reason to be super proud of their performances!
Izzy Yonas - University of Georgia - 17:47
Morgan Grace - Mississippi State - 18:07
Molly Hanlon-Anderson University - 19:44
WAY TO GO LADIES!
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Ben Winn - Heads to Furman in 2025

Ben began running with Gotta Run Kids in 3rd grade and he didn't miss one session all the way through 8th grade! It didn't take him long to progress enough to be able to join the Great Strides team and he was a great addition! He loved running and it was a joy to see that the love of the sport was more important than the results he achieved. By 8th grade he was one of the top runners in the state! He went on to make steady progress in high school, laying down some incredible times. We are so proud of Ben and excited to see what he will do at the collegiate level!
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2024 - Morgan Grace Sheffield Commits to Mississippi State! 

"Today I was able to witness a long-time dream for one of my runners fulfilled - and I am so grateful to have been a small part of her journey and her incredible success! I had the honor of watching Morgan Grace progress from being a little girl with a big dream in elementary school, to a middle schooler who made “Great Strides” and then I watched (and cheered) from the sidelines as she made steady progress in high school. It wasn’t always easy - she had a few obstacles to overcome with injuries and setbacks- but she NEVER lost sight of the dream to be a top runner and to run at the collegiate level. She relied on her faith, determination, and end goal to keep her focused and moving forward. What an honor to watch her today as she saw all her hard work pay off! I can’t wait to see the rest of her running story unfold! Mississippi State is getting one special young lady!"
Coach Patterson
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2024 - Reid Latimer Commits to University of Miami 

Another Great Strides alum moves on to college! Reid has committed to the University of Miami to continue his running career. We can't wait to follow his journey!
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2024- Izzy Yonas Commits to UGA!

Yet another Great Strides Alum will join the ranks of the University of Georgia!

"What an honor it has been to be a part of this family’s story! I have had the privilege of coaching these young ladies through middle school and watched from the sidelines as they went from strength to strength. Last year Carmel committed to GA Tech and now Izzy has committed to UGA. We are incredibly proud of all their hard work, commitment, and the character that they have maintained through the highs and lows! Well done @izzyyonas - the sky is the limit!" Coach Patterson
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Molly Hanlon commits to run at the next level!

2024 - Great Strides Alum, Molly Hanlon, has committed to run at  Anderson University!
We are so happy to see that Molly has achieved her dream of running at the collegiate level. Hard work always pays off!
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Great Strides Shows up BIG at the 2023 State Meet!

The Great Strides xc team maintained their podium streak, with the boys defending their Champion title for the 4th consecutive year and the girls narrowly missing 1st place with a very respectable Runner-up achievement. The team also won the "Grand Champion" trophy for the 2nd consecutive year. This trophy is for the team with the lowest combined team scores.
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Carmel Yonas - GA Tech 2023

GA Tech snaps up Great Strides Alum. We can't wait to see what this young lady does at the next level!

MS Cross Country State preview 2021

2021 MS State Preview
Collin college signing

Great Strides Alum to run at Wake Forest

Colin Chapman - Wake Forest 2021
Cooper college signing

Great Strides Alum Commits to UGA 

Cooper Bocko - UGA 2021
College signing mark martin

Great Strides Alum to run at Valdosta State

Mark Martin - 2021
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Great Strides Alum to run at Mercer

Mikey Patterson - 2020
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Great Strides Alum commits to UGA

Aleesa De Castro - UGA 2019
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Great Strides Alumni commit to run at the next level

Matt Patterson and Millie Bergey 2017

MS State Meet 2020 - Boys 1st, Girls 2nd

MS State Meet

Great Strides win boys' and girls' titles 

ATT Panther XC Meet

Matt Patterson - South Forsyth HS - Great Strides Alumni

Great Strides Alum in the news