10 Cowboys run in Delta

MEEKER I Ten Meeker High School students opened the cross country season before opening a book in the 2013/2014 school year.
Five boys and five girls ran in Delta on Friday, with the boys fielding a full varsity team and the girls split, running three on varsity and two in the JV race.
“I was pleased to see a good effort by the entire team, considering the heat,” head coach Marty Casey said of his team’s first performance in 100-degree heat. “The boys had a nice start to the season, including some great pack running.”
Seniors Caleb Lange and Aaron Cochran ran the fastest for the Cowboys on the 5K course, in 18:58.50 and 22:18.80 respectively.
Sam Lange and Anthony Watt crossed the finish line at the same time (23:33.20), senior Bailey Mantle was right behind (23.35.00) and Clay Anderson followed, six seconds behind Mantle.
“I was interested to see how the girls would fare, as none on the team has ever competed in cross country before,” Casey said. “We are, in fact, a young team experience-wise, with only a few of the entire group returning from last year. That being said, I am proud of the girls and I’m looking forward to watching their progress throughout the season.”
The Lady Cowboys were led by freshman Julia Eskelson, who finished her first high school cross country race in 24:37.60. Linda Olivas and Madison Russell also ran in the varsity race and completed the 5K in 31:57.30 and 31:57.40, respectively. Katie Harman and Abbi Ibach ran in the JV race.
“While I certainly see room for improvement across the board, I think we can build on this meet and be prepared for when we return to Delta for the regional meet,” Casey said.
Meeker’s cross country team will run in Grand Junction on Friday.