The Webb School welcomed over 50 competing schools and approximately 850 cross-country runners to its 150-acre campus for the 22nd Annual John Freeman Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Bell Buckle, Tenn.
The race was established in 2004 in honor of John Freeman ’03, a former Webb athlete and cross-country captain who passed away suddenly during his senior year of high school. Noting how the invitational has grown from just a handful of teams to over 50, the Freemans expressed sincere gratitude to Webb’s coaches and staff for their tireless work in keeping John’s memory alive. This outpouring of love for John was evident in the spirit of the athletes, spectators, coaches and volunteers who came together to make this past Saturday’s race a success.
This year’s runners enjoyed partly cloudy skies and the occasional rain shower during the event, which included a two-mile race for every Middle School and Junior Varsity girls’ and boys’ runner and 5K races for Varsity girls’ and boys’ athletes.
Leading the way in the Middle School girls’ race for the Feet was the dynamic duo of Catherine Myers ’31, who finished second in 13:25, and Avery Blackwell ’31, who took fifth place in 13:39. Also taking first for the second straight year in the Middle School boys’ race was George Myers ’31, with a final time of 11:05.
In the Varsity girls’ race, Mary Myers ’28 earned a top-10 finish after placing sixth in 21:07. Meanwhile, our boys’ team captain Kaleb King ’29 led the way with a personal record of 20:50. Many Webb athletes also celebrated personal records and bests.
There to recognize the race’s top athletes, John’s mother, Patsy Freeman P ’97, ’03, and sister, Keri Freeman Maffei ’97, distributed individual medals and team awards. Congratulations to Mt. Juliet on sweeping both Middle School races, and to Girls Preparatory School and Cookeville High School on winning their Varsity girls’ and boys’ races, respectively.
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A Similar News Story Appeared in:
September 14, 2026 –The Shelbyville-Times Gazette - "Webb Hosts 22nd Annual John Freeman Invitational on September 12"