The sun was bright in the eastern sky blinding the girls as they ran towards it. There were 49 girls running in the varsity race. Dani Pair finished first in our group and placed 10th overall in the race. She recorded her season best time, but is still about one minute behind her personal record. Katelen Moerschel finished 18th overall and recorded yet another season best time and best course time within five seconds of her personal record. Dani and Katey both medaled.
Katelen Patterson (25th) and Halley Parkin (32nd) continue to improve. Each had broken their personal records for the fourth time this season in five races. April ran after taking the day off from running at Smithville in order to rest from muscle stiffness (iliotibial band syndrome). She improved over her previous attempt at Platte County. Is this the road to recovery? Will she be back to 100% by Conference? The girls team finished 5th of seven and only seven points behind Conference rival, Odessa. Where would they be if April was 100%?
With the sun continuing to shine, the temperature was quickly climbing. Although it was pleasant for spectators, for the runners it was a little too warm. They prefer much cooler temps. The varsity boys had a few things to celebrate. Like the top two varsity girls, Ben Hartwig inched closer to his personal record setting a season best time and personal best on the Marshall course with an 18th place finish. There were 56 competitors. Brent Shelor wasn't far behind in 24th with his second consecutive personal record. Ben and Brent each medaled.
Of the three varsity boys who didn't medal, only Seth Edwards was able to set a milestone. He beat his best time on the Marshall course. Lane Rogers continues to attempt to break through the 20 minute barrier and Logan Stock feels he is out of shape after taking time off for his ankle injury. At least he claims the ankle is feeling much better as long as he wears his brace. The boys varsity team placed 6th of eight teams. They were 25 points behind Conference opponent, Odessa (3rd), and 18 points ahead of Conference/District opponent, Richmond (8th).
The junior varsity girls and boys ran together with their results separated at the end. This would be the first 5k race at which Alex Argyle did not set a personal record. He placed 34th in a field of 53. Jordan Meehan did set his first personal record despite abdominal cramps. It must be a brotherly thing, because Arthur Meehan also suffered from abdominal cramps. Jacob Scott did not run today as he was attending band competition in Carrollton.
Autumn Summers ran despite having only about four hours of sleep due to her participation with the Color Guard team in the Homecoming football game the night before. As soon as the meet was over, she was whisked off to Carrollton, too, for additional competitions.
Many of the athletes had their minds set on getting ready for the Homecoming Dance this evening, too. What a busy day!