With the finish line just ahead, and a stampede of sprinting boys in the last 100 meters of the race close behind, sophomore Julian Hodges wins first place for the Junior Varsity Cross Country team.

“The last 100 meters was the hardest, but when I push myself and finally win, it’s just overcoming another milestone. That’s something my coaches and family help teach me,” Hodges said.

“The Akins Cross Country team has striven to be faster and stronger this year,” Cross Country coach Ashley Hayes said. “Hodges placing first at the second meet of the season brought out the determination in every student on the team,” she said.

“All of the runners are working very hard,” Hayes said. “Julian placing first really left the other runners inspired, encouraged and very proud.”

In the last 800 meters Hodges was overwhelmed with a cramp, but he pushed through, finishing first.

“Running is not only a physical challenge,” Hayes said. “Running long distance is mentally tough. You have to fight through the pain when your mind and body is telling you to stop.”

Every morning during the summer, Hodges came in on the track and got a workout. The outcome showed how hard work pays off in the end.