The defending Southern States Athletic Conference champions Dalton State women’s cross country team has everybody coming back from last year’s squad, but they have added another component to this fall’s team.
Coach Margie Bruner visited the Heritage High School media center in Ringgold to add her third Lady General to the squad. Emily Poole signed with the Roadrunners Thursday before a crowd of friends, teammates, and family.
Poole led the Heritage Girls Cross Country team to their third straight region championship this past fall.
The Generals bested Pickens County by 47 points as the Dalton State signee had a school record 5K of 19:10. The time broke school and personal records. For that she was named the region’s most valuable girl runner. Poole then finished sixth in the State AAAA XC Championship in Carrollton. Academically, she is in the top five in her class.
“I am very excited about being able to run at Dalton State,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the girls and the coaches. I can’t wait what the team can do next year.” Poole already knows several of the girls, including former high school teammates Natalie Espinoza-Hensley and Mallory Edwards. Poole participated in XC and track at Ridgeland. Her personal best times include 19:10 in the 5K at region, a two mile of 12:05 and a one mile best of 5:42.
Bruner said Poole should add a lot to the team and the school. “We are so excited to sign Emily,” said Bruner. “Not only is she a top runner, but she is a serious student and a fine person. She will be a huge asset to our women’s team. I am confident that Emily will push our varsity girls to be even better than they already are.”
Emily is the daughter of Beth and Kevin Poole of Ringgold. She has two siblings: Matthew and Jessie Poole.