GARNETT Thursdays Anderson County Cross Country Meet saw Jack Adams steal the show. The Iola High Mustang runner finished first overall, and led the Iola boys to a first-place finish as a team.
Along with Iola, Humboldt and Crest competed in the Garnett spectacle. Here is how all three teams performed:
Iola
The evening started with Maadi Robertson, Elsie Fleming, and Skyler Walden participating in the beginners two-mile race. All three runners placed in the top 20. For the boys, Eli Smith came in at 16th. With three Iola girls running in the beginners race, the JV squad was unable to complete a full team. Audrey Coltrane finished ninth, with Elaina Stiller and Jorja Murcko finished 37th and 40th respectively.
Iolas JV boys placed fifth as a team. Jesse Taylor finished first. His time of 20:52 was good enough to have been a medaling time in the varsity race. Head coach Marv Smith said Taylor is his most-improved runner since last season. Eli Adams came in right behind Taylor for second. Travis Wanker, Colin Long, Grant Lueke, and Luke Wicoff also competed for the JV Mustangs.
The varsity girls finished fifth as a team behind Baldwin (defending state champions), Fort Scott, Anderson County, and Louisburg.
Rachel Bycroft took 11th place with a time of 23:48 to lead the Fillies. Kelsey Morrison, Elanie Sturgeon, Ella Taylor, and Averie Sharon also represented the blue and gold on Thursday.
Smith has high hopes for a Pioneer League title, but knows his girls still have room for improvement. Smith iterated that the Fillies were surrounded by top talent in Garnett.
The varsity boys were led by Adams enroute to a first-place finish. Also finishing in the top 10 were Riley Jay (fifth), and Kaster Trabuc (sixth). The three remaining runners, Elijah Fawson, Nathan Louk, and Brett Morrison all placed in the top 25. It was a strong showing for the Mustangs, and Smith has confidence that this team can make a run for another Pioneer League title.
Humboldt
For the Cubs was Sam Neely finishing third in the two-mile newcomers race. Melissa Hess (49th), Taylor Korte (54th), and Augusts Female Allen County Area Athlete of the Month, Lulu Melendez (57th) competed for the Lady Cubs in the varsity division. Although the girls did not pose top finishes, this group is a work in progress.
The varsity boys were without senior Luke Yokum due to sickness, leaving the Cubs shorthanded. Sophomore Drew Wilhite finished 12th with a time of 19:56.4, and Thane Meadows along with Cooper Woods also competed for Humboldt. Head Coach Eric Carslon emphasized this course might be the toughest venue the Cubs see all season.
Crest
