MHS cross country runs well in Rifle, on to state-qualifying regional meet in Aspen

MEEKER I Runners on the Meeker cross country team competed in Rifle last Thursday in their final competition before the state-qualifying regional meet Saturday in Aspen.
“It was another great day of running,” head coach Kris Casey said of the meet. “They changed up their course a bit from last year and added a nice hill. It was a great last meet before regionals and the kids got the chance to rest over the weekend.”
Casey said her runners’ times were comparable to those on flat courses and she was pleased with the times, especially considering the hill.
Rangely freshman William Scoggins continues to lead the team, finishing with a time of 19:13, followed by Lathrop Hughes, also a freshman, whose time was one second over 20 minutes on the 3.1 mile course. Meeker’s other male runner, Alex Smith, ran the course in 22:10.
“All of the boys looked really strong and I am looking forward to see how they do at regionals,” Casey said. “I think we should have a chance of getting some state qualifiers.”
Senior Erica Roybal and freshman Perye Walter were Meeker’s only female runners and Walter will be the only one to compete in the regional meet.
According to Casey, Roybal will be taking her ACT test Saturday and will miss the meet as will Savannah Johnson, who is injured. Cowboy sophomore Ean Barrow will also miss the regional meet because of shin splints.
Roybal ran the course in 24:02 and Walter crossed the finish line in 31:03.
“Each runner, boys and girls, has made huge improvements throughout the season,” Casey, who is assisted by Carly Thomson, said. “Carly and I are extremely proud of each of them. We’re looking forward to the regional meet.”