Running with the best

State-ranked Mavericks continue to set the pace

October 14, 2026 by Alan Sloan

Anderson County High School’s cross country teams are making their mark among the state’s best, with four runners ranked in the Top 10 in Division I-AA.

Leading the Lady Mavericks are freshman Ella Tyler, ranked No. 2 in the state, and junior Jordan Walker, ranked No. 5.

For the Mavericks boys, senior Cameron Hardy is ranked No. 3, while John Cutler holds the No. 9 spot.

As for Walker, Anderson County Coach Harrison Calhoun said she has been a model of consistency throughout the season.

“I mean, she has either been second or third or top five or top 10 every single race,” Calhoun said. “She’s also having her best season for sure. And our freshman Ella just makes her better.”

Tyler continued her winning ways at the MKXC Cove Invitational in Campbell County on Thursday, Oct. 8, racing to another first-place finish with a time of 19 minutes, 1.10 seconds.

Walker wasn’t far behind, finishing third in 19:32.00.

Freshman Daisy Dyer placed 12th in 23:01.50, while fellow freshman Jenna Meadors finished 16th.

Other Lady Mavericks competing were freshman Lila Sharon (22nd), sophomore Rachel Garbes (24th), junior Cassie Newman (31st) and freshman Harper Beck (54th).

The Lady Mavericks finished second in the team standings.

“I was really impressed with our numbers for a meet during fall break as well,” Calhoun said. “We had pretty much over half our team there. I mean, only a handful weren’t there for that meet. I was very impressed with how we did as a team.”

ACHS boys

Although the Mavericks were missing their three fastest runners based on times this season, Calhoun came away from the meet encouraged by the team’s depth and development.

“We only had six boys run, and we’re normally 10 boys every race,” Calhoun said.

“Honestly, even though we didn’t have our top three, I felt more confident about our boys team than I had the entire season,” he added. “Because I know what we’re capable of when those other three start racing again.”

Sophomore Rylan Vanlandingham led Anderson County’s boys, finishing 23rd with a time of 18:47.91.

His performance was particularly rewarding for Calhoun, who recalled how Vanlandingham joined the program midway through his freshman season despite having little running experience.

“And that’s the thing, Rylan has a great story,” Calhoun said. “I mean, he has really stepped up. He was a freshman last year that, after the beginning of the year, emailed me saying he wanted to join the team.

“And you’re talking about a kid that had never really run or really knew how to run, that just came in halfway through the year just wanting to join a team.

“I mean, he’s really stepped up this year,” the coach added. “Been really impressed with how he’s done.”

Other Mavericks competing included senior Tanner Warman, who finished 29th, followed by junior Avian Laster (35th), senior Benson Skidmore (41st), freshman Kason Hansard (56th) and sophomore Gabriel Mounger (62nd).

Anderson County’s boys finished sixth in the team standings.

A confidence-building course

Calhoun also praised the generally flat Cove Invitational course, saying its fast layout and favorable fall conditions provide runners an opportunity to build confidence as the season progresses.

“I think it’s a great course, fast course,” Calhoun said. “I think it’s definitely a course that will boost your confidence. It’s kind of like a feel-good course, really.

“And it’s always at the best time of the year. It’s always right during October, like fall weather where it starts to cool off,” he added. “I think it’s a feel-good confidence booster.”