LAWRENCE The cross country meet at Rim Rock in Lawrence beat the rains Saturday morning and went off without a hitch. Over 100 schools from six different states were present, including Iola and Humboldt High.
It was another good meet for the Mustangs, who had to overcome some adversity early on. The girls were without Ella Taylor, and the boys had to make due without Jesse Taylor.
Despite missing Taylor, the Fillies were able to compete at a high level. Thirty-two schools fielded full teams and 240 runners competed. The Fillies finished in the middle of the pack at 15th. The girls number-one runner, Rachel Bycroft, finished 48th with a time of 22:18. Kelsey Morrison followed in 90th (23:20), Elanie Sturgeon 101st (23:52), Averie Sharon, 122nd (24:26), Josie Plumlee 129th (24:46), and Audrey Coltrane 130th (24:47).
On the boys side, Head Coach Marv Smith said he was unaware of who the main five would be. Already without Taylor, the Mustangs were at a disadvantage with Elijah Fawson having been ill during the week, and was a late addition to run. Also, Brett Morrison had been sidelined with a hip injury the past two weeks. Although Morrison was able to compete, it was not at his usual standard.
Jack Adams medaled by posting a top-15 finish, coming in 12th with a time of 17:32. He was followed by Riley Jay in 51st (18:29), Kaster Trabuc 87th (19:01), Nathan Louk 121st (19:26), Elijah Lawson 159th (19:55), and Brett Morrison 195th (20:18).
Medals were awarded to the top 25 runners.
Humboldt
It was a record day for the girls number-one runner Elizabeth Melendez. Melendez posted her fastest time of the season with a 23:33.1, placing 84th. Melendez’s time was also a record for the Lady Cubs at Rim Rock. Melina Hess came in 180th (26:14.4), Zoey Wilson 210th (25:44.4), Taylor Korte 224th (28:46.5), Peyten Galloway 231st (29:46.6), and Winter Snyder 239th (31.32.3).
For the boys, Drew Wilhite placed 53rd with a time of 18:32.8. This was a season best for Wilhite, and nearly two minutes faster than his time at Rim Rock last season. Luke Yokum finished 115th (19:21.3), Javyn Hess 225th (21.37.5), Thane Meadows 283rd (22:44.1), Sam Neely 285th (22:50.3), and Cooper Woods 302nd (24:09.7).
