D-B’s Neglia Wins Nike Cross Southeast Regional, Science Hill’s Hutchins Earn Nationals Spots

Dobyns-Bennett’s Sasha Neglia splashes across the finish line to win the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional. Photo contributed to TriCitiesSports.com.
by STEVE WILMOTH
TriCitiesSports.com
November 24, 2018

CARY & CHARLOTTE, NC -- Dobyns-Bennett’s Sasha Neglia and Science Hill’s Jenna Hutchins are both going to national cross country events next month.

Neglia won the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional at the WakeMed Soccer Complex in Cary, North Carolina with a time of 17:37.4.

Meanwhile, at the Foot Locker South Regional at McAlpine Gateway Park in Charlotte, Hutchins placed eighth at 17:25.8. 

Hutchins, the 2018 TSSAA Class AAA State Champion will run in the Foot Locker Nationals at Balboa Park in San Diego on December 8.

Neglia, the 2016 and 2017 TSSAA Class AAA State Champion, will run next Saturday at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon.

Science Hill freshman Jenna Hutchins
ran to an eighth-place finish at the
Foot Locker Southeast Regionals. Photo
contributed to TriCitiesSports.com.
For the Lady Indian junior and 2016 and 2017 TSSAA Class AAA state champion, the victory was sweet after suffering disqualification at the recent TSSAA State Championships.

“I was definitely motivated for this race because of the state meet,” said Neglia.

The miserable weather conditions failed to hamper Neglia’s run.

“It was super rainy so I tried to make the most of the race and just have fun,” added Neglia. 

Dobyns-Bennett coach Bob Bingham said Neglia’s mental focus on point despite the racing conditions.

“Sasha was focused, determined and on a mission,” said Bingham. “The bad weather was to her advantage because she is so mentally tough.”

Neglia took control early on the hilly course and attacked from start to finish.

“I wanted to go out ahead from the gun and just keep my ground and really push it up and down the hills,” said Neglia.

It will Neglia’s second trip to the Nike Cross Nationals. She finished 24th last year.

Hutchins also had to deal with rain, mud and wind over at the 40th Anniversary edition Foot Locker Regionals but still ran a person-best time.

“I’m humbled and blessed on a great season with a top-10 finish at the Foot Locker Regionals,” said Hutchins.

“I’m proud of Sasha as well on her accomplishments. Both of us have had great seasons and it’s great to have East Tennessee represented well with honors.”
 
 
 
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