Grayson's Erassa has fastest time at cross country championships

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Grayson's Kirubel Erassa, who is considered the state's fastest long-distance runner, completed a season of perfection at Saturday's state championship cross country meets in Carrollton.

Erassa's ran 15:09 for both the day's overall best time and the individual boys championship in Class AAAAA. With the win, the Ethiopian native finished his senior season with an undefeated record in eight meets.

"I've been waiting and waiting, and my dream finally became true," Erassa said. "I'm very happy about my senior season. This was a great way to end it."

The other boys winners are Westside-Augusta's D'Andre Smalley in AAAA, Woodward Academy's Nathan Vassey in AAA, Cross Keys' Ayala Leonel in AA, and Eagle's Landing Christian's Luke Baker in A.

The girls champions are Nicky Akande in AAAAA, Anna Bowles of Lakeside-Evans in AAAA, Johns Creek's Allie Buchalski in AAA, Westminster's Sahara Fletcher in AA, and Landmark Christian's Lindy Long in A.

The team champions are the Brookwood boys and North Gwinnett girls in AAAAA, the Marist boys and girls in AAAA, the Flowery Branch boys and St. Pius girls in AAA, the Wesminster boys and girls in AA, and the Wesleyan boys and Our Lady of Mercy girls in Class A.

At Grayson, Erassa has a rags-to-riches story. He played soccer as a freshman and joined the track team for the final two weeks of practice to test his speed. Erassa turned heads by running the mile in less than five minutes and never returned to soccer.

On Saturday, Erassa couldn't hold back the tears as he approached the finish line, and Grayson coach Rob Blaszkiewicz also was crying when the two hugged after the race.

"The rest of the team has been teasing me, saying ‘Kirubel made Coach B cry,'" joked Blaszkiewicz. "It was such a great moment. Kirubel has come so far in this sport, and it is great to see him win it all in his last race."

Meanwhile, the North Gwinnett girls snapped one of the more impressive streaks in the state's largest division. Collins Hill had won six state championships in a row before finishing second Saturday.

With six juniors and one sophomore, North Gwinnett was expected to be one year away from threatening the streak. However, the Bulldogs had four runners place in the top 20, including Rose Howell at sixth.

"Our focus wasn't to stop their streak, but to start one for us," North Gwinnett coach Mark Karen said. "It was a big win for our program. The girls are thrilled. We have nothing but respect for Collins Hill. They've set the bar for success."