Alcovy’s cross-country teams placed second in the Region 4-AAAA meet last Saturday to earn a berth at Saturday’s state meet at Carrolton — the first in school history. One of the main reasons is Tatlin Gammon

Gammon placed fourth overall and is fresh off her personal and school best first place finish at the Tiger Trail Classic where she ran under 23 minutes for the first time in her career in a meet. For her performance, Gammon has earned the Covington News/Johnny’s Pizza Prep Athlete of the Week for the week ending Nov. 1.

"Last year I think I goofed around and I didn’t take it serious until the end of the season," Gammon said. "But this year I think I am more determined because I am a senior and I want to make a name at Alcovy."

Gammon said she changed her approach and that maturity played a big part of her success this year.

"I hope to run in college and, well, I like beating people," she said.

Gammon is fairly new to running as she picked it up competitively for the first time last year. She said she enjoyed running around as a child and decided to give cross country a shot. She also plans to run track where she will compete in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Gammon hopes to attend one of three school — Georgia State, Albany State or Savannah State Universities, and would like an opportunity to run both cross country and track.

Gammon knows she has a tough task ahead of her Saturday but said she will go out and do what she can to help her team. One thing she has her mind set on is besting her school-record of 22:37.

"I was proud but I feel like I could have run better," Gammon said. "But I want a PR (personal record). I hold the school record now, but I want to break it."