A Championship Season for Dogwood and Houston Middle School

Across GMSD, this fall athletic season has been filled with moments when young people discover their personal potential. From elementary runners taking their first steps onto a state stage to middle school athletes competing at the highest level, Dogwood Elementary Cross Country Earns Three State Titles

At the Tennessee State Elementary Cross Country Championships, Dogwood Elementary emerged as one of the most accomplished programs in the region, capturing three state championships in a single meet. The school brought home titles in Varsity Boys, JV Boys and JV Girls, adding to a growing legacy of excellence that now includes four state championships in just two seasons.

The Varsity Boys Team included:
Austin Rodgers, Cade Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Cameron Strain, Johnny Slagle, Robert Aycock, Cooper Wilmoth, Noah Linnemann, Caleb Benton and Miller Tognetti.

The Junior Varsity Boys Team included:
Simon Graffam, Gabe Miller, Arthur Vangilder, Nick Serfess, James Graffam, James Dorgan, Christian Guy, Luke Hathaway, Christian Taylor, Grey Goodin, Will Reid, Gus Laveglia, Jude Brandon, Mac Short, Brett Bishop, Matthew Martin and Carden Raabsmith.

The Varsity Girls Team included:
Eloise Shelton, Madelyn Cox, Nora Turman, Evelyn Apple, Conley Farrar, Lillian Wellman, Lenoir Caen, Lane Schubert, Kyle Osborne and Rosie McDonald.

The Junior Varsity Girls Team included:
Mary Connor Todd, Sophia Solorio, Elyse Borgman, Jojo Sloan, Presley Arnold, Rowan McCaherty, Charlotte Raabsmith, Charlotte Wellman, Savannah Grace, Sarabeth Malinka, Evie Ayock, Savannah Cox, Scarlett Arnold, Evelyn Goodin, Garner Danielson and Ryan Aylward.

Dogwood’s coaching and support staff played a pivotal role in building the program’s momentum. Coaches included Stacey Schwarzmann (head coach), and assistant coaches April Serfess, Nathan Tognetti, Chad Johnson, Lacey Rush and Andy Pratt, with Kelly Martens serving as teacher sponsor.

Houston Middle School Girls Cross Country Captures State Championship

That momentum carried forward into middle school, where the Houston Middle School Varsity Girls Cross Country Team claimed the state championship after a season marked by unity and steady growth. Coaches described their team culture as phenomenal, noting the group’s focus and shared purpose.

The team included:
Brooklyn Bishop, Charlotte Gwatney, Lillian Sayle, Linley Curry, Piper Olswing, Rhetta Lammi and Ryleigh Chester.

The team was guided by Scott McNeil (head coach) and assistant coaches Kati McNeil, Nathan Tognetti and Jarred Thweatt.

Houston Middle School Girls Soccer Earns TMSSAA State Title

Houston Middle School also celebrated a championship season on the soccer field. The Varsity Girls Soccer Team secured the TMSSAA State Championship following a postseason run defined by strong defensive play, smart possession and a deep roster that contributed across both JV and varsity levels.

The roster included:
Abigail “Abby” Hillis, Alexandra Corman, Beckett Olswing, Bradleigh Collins, Brinley Dawson, Drew Henderson, Elise Fang, Eryn Beaver, Fionna Brown, Hannah Rose, Harper Brown, Korbyn Greene, Mallory Weed, Piper Olswing, Alexa Neeley, Anna Foley, Blakely Dowdle, Ella McBride, Lilly Trout, Mae Betchick, Reese Kelley, Simone Reuer, Ainsley Corman, Harper Dawson, Ivy Jane McIntyre, Sophia Wilmoth and Violet Cotton.

The team was led by Head Coach Wendy Percoski and Assistant Coach Matt Sugg.

Celebrating a Season of Growth

“To every runner, every soccer player, every coach, and every family who supported these journeys—thank you,” said Superintendent Jason Manuel. “Your teamwork and spirit reflect the best of who we are as a district. This season stands as a testament to what happens when students feel supported, connected, and empowered to discover their personal potential.”

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