GARNETT — With several new faces on the cross country varsity roster, Iola High head coach Brit Daugharthy was a bit anxious as the 2021 season arrived.
Turns out, Iola has plenty to look forward to this season.
The Mustang runners ventured to Garnett for the 16th annual Jerry Howarter Invitational, one of the premiere early season events in the region.
Buoyed by a trio of top-10 runners, Iola’s boys took second as a squad.
“What an amazing first meet!” Daugharthy said. “The varsity boys came prepared to do their best, and they sure did. We had multiple standout results.”
Junior Jesse Taylor and freshman Cole Moyer led the charge, taking third and fourth, respectively.
“Jesse stayed close to the top two runners from Louisburg and had a very competitive race,” Daugharthy said. “Everyone was excited to see what Cole could do as a freshman, and he proved he’s ready to compete with his varsity team.”
Junior Kaster Trabuc was no slouch, either, finishing in ninth with a career-best mark.
“He’s putting all the pieces of his race strategy, and he’s right on track to compete at his best level.”
Sophomore JJ Rutoh, also in his first varsity meet, took 23rd in the loaded field. Junior Eli Adams, suffering from side cramps through the race, still came in at 28th.
Senior Drake DeLaTorre, who took 44th, was credited for helping keep his younger teammates relaxed.
“It was really nice to Drake step up as the only senior boy and remain calm, while others had some pre-race jitters,” Daugharthy said.
Junior Travis Wanker, another first-timer, took 45th.
ON THE GIRLS’ side, Iola entered three varsity girls, and brought home three varsity medals.
Newcomer Sage Barney, senior, led the triumvirate by taking 17th overall. Elanie Sturgeon wasn’t far behind in 20th, while Josie Plumlee took 27th. Medals go to the top 30 finishers.
“Sage is a new addition to the team, and we’re so happy to have her,” Daugharthy said. “Elanie has grown so much as an athlete. It’s exciting to see how she’s improved. An dJosie was suffering from side stitches throughout the race, which hindered her ability to compete at her best level. I expect these girls to improve as a team and place closer together.”
