East Rankin cross country girls, Coach Hopper honored

Congratulations to East Rankin Academy’s head cross country coach, Coach David Hopper, who was named the 2023-2024 MAIS 5A Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year (COTY). This is the third consecutive COTY awarded to Coach Hopper as he has led a growing cross country program at East Rankin Academy to three consecutive MAIS 5A state titles.

The MAIS 5A State Championship cross country team was honored with a ring banquet on March 4th at The Vault in Brandon, MS.  Seated, first row: Emily Williams (sophomore), Jewel Baker (6th), Audrey Mayatte (junior), Emma Raines (8th), Kate Bryant (7th), Jensen Baker (sophomore), Arin Hawk (sophomore). Second row:  Coach David Hopper, Chandler Hunt (6th), Haley Headrick (7th), Rachel Smith (junior), Marlee Rakinic (junior), Katie Simpson (junior), Audrey Hawk (junior), Abby Raines (junior), Katie Lee Tadlock (junior), Lane Riemann (junior), Savannah Smithers (sophomore), Addison Vowell (sophomore), Lydia Collipp (junior), Kylee Holifield (junior), and Leah Collipp (freshman).