The Lebanon News | Anthony Stevens | Photo Credit: Contributed Photos
BRISTOL (October 28, 2026) – Russell County had a big Wednesday at the Region 1D cross country meet. The Honaker boys captured the team championship, while Castlewood placed second. In the girls’ competition, the Lady Tigers finished second behind Eastside.
“It has been a great year for the Boys Cross Country team,” said Honaker coach Wilburn Johnson. “All of our runners improved from the beginning of the season, and it culminated in winning Region 1D. This is the largest Boys Cross Country team we have had at Honaker. We had nine runners. Most of the kids ran over the summer and came into August with a sense of what we needed to do as a team.”
Preparing for the grueling three-mile course at Sugar Hollow Park, with multiple inclines, is challenging. The teams put in a lot of work.
“They come to practice every day and do what we ask of them, with many of them running extra on their own,” Johnson stated. “They push each other to improve. They get along well, and each understands what they need to do for the team to succeed. Their hard work paid off.”
Honaker’s seniors are Tyler Boyd, Lincoln Combs, and Hunter Dye.
“Hunter and Lincoln like to have fun at practice,” Johnson commented. “They work hard every day, running what we ask of them, plus extra miles. They meet up to run on weekends and lead by example at practice. They have a strong drive to succeed. Hunter and Lincoln have set goals for themselves and have worked hard to reach both individual and team goals. I think it will be a senior season they will always remember.
“Tyler has improved throughout the year while battling adversity. Tyler set a PR (personal record) yesterday, running like I knew he was capable of. All seven of our runners set PRs at the Region meet, which is a great accomplishment and shows the hard work and determination of our team.”
The Honaker boys won with a team score of 45, outdistancing Castlewood, which scored 51. Hunter Dye, known for two VHSL state titles in wrestling, led the Tigers with a fourth-place finish.
“It gives me something to work for because I started cross country later and have to work harder to be successful in this sport,” Dye stated.
Lincoln Combs wasn’t far behind, boosting Honaker with a strong sixth-place individual finish.
“The team has consistently worked hard together to succeed this season,” said Combs. “This included running on weekends and encouraging each other to perform at our best.”
Isaac Cooper led Castlewood, finishing second to individual champion Ty Hood of Rye Cove, clocking 17:13. Parker King finished eighth for the Blue Devils.
GIRLS
The Honaker girls finished second to Eastside, with sophomore Allie Salyer setting the pace for the Spartans to win the individual championship.
The Lady Tigers had an outstanding race.
“Every athlete was committed to contributing and doing her part,” Honaker girls coach Heather Combs said. “We knew what our girls were capable of, and they delivered when it mattered most. We communicated with each athlete about what she needed to accomplish for the team to advance, and they rose to the challenge.”
Freshman Lyla Bostic led Honaker with a strong fourth-place finish. Erin Hubbard and Reese Ratliff also helped power the Tigers.
“I ran about 350 miles this summer, and I enjoy it,” remarked Bostic. “I want to improve my time in each race I run.”
It’s no shock that the Honaker girls are headed to state.
“I was not surprised by our Region 1D runner-up finish or our advancement to the state competition,” noted Coach Combs. “We had spent considerable time analyzing the numbers, evaluating scenarios, and discussing possibilities leading up to the meet. Based on our preparation and our athletes’ abilities, I felt very confident we had what it took to advance as a team.”
The VHSL State Championships will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at Green Hill Park in Salem.
Region 1D
At Sugar Hollow Park
GIRLS
Team Scores
Eastside 23, Honaker 48, J.I. Burton 65, Holston 98
Individual Results
Allie Salyer (E), 19:42; Hailey Mays (E), 19:56; Hannah Mays (E), 20:55; Lyla Bostic (Honaker), 21:55; Katie Williams (E), 22:00; Addison Cannon (Patrick Henry), 22:27; Rosalie Lachniet (Patrick Henry), 23:01; Wren Patrick (Rural Retreat), 23:04; Ava Stough (Burton), 23:14; Seleniah Baumgardner (Holston), 23:24; May Lachniet (Patrick Henry), 23:29; Quila Greear (Twin Springs), 23:30; Erin Hubbard (Honaker), 23:55; Leah Harvey (Burton), 24:02; Reese Ratliff (Honaker), 24:30
BOYS
Team Scores
Honaker 45, Castlewood 51, Eastside 57, Chilhowie 69
Individual Results
Ty Hood (Rye Cove), 17:13; Isaac Cooper (Castle), 17:27; Brayden McCracken (Patrick Henry), 17:48; Hunter Dye (Hon), 17:56; Kurt Collins (Chilhowie), 18:07; Lincoln Combs (Hon), 18:16; Colten Johnson (Twin Springs), 18:18.2; Parker King (Castle), 18:29; Mason West (Chilhowie), 18:34; Easton Phelps (E), 18:42; Kainan Fuller (Holston), 19:03; Jason Correa (E), 19:05; Evan McReynolds (E), 19:07; Brandon Edwards (E), 19:09; Dalten Keith (Castle), 19:13
Region 1D XC Cross Country Runner-Up
Region 1D XC Cross Country Runner-Up