COURTESY PHOTO
MEEKER | The Meeker Cross Country team opened the season at Matchett Park in Grand Junction for the Warrior Invitational.
“Matchett Park provides some good trail terrain, as well as good competition, drawing some big schools,” commented head coach Marty Casey, “I am very excited to hear team scores from both the boys’ and girls‘ squads.”
The boys raced first; junior Ashdon Seibert was the first of the Cowboys to cross the finish line, in 21 minutes 47.3 seconds, followed by Shane Kobald right on his heels, at 21:47.6; taking 45th and 46th places. Freshman Owen Hannemann was the third Cowboy across the line, with a time of 21:53 and the rest of the team followed; Gabe Richardson, Damon Dade, Gage Richardson, Eddie Drussell, Josh Dinwiddie, and Zach Harman rounded out the nine-man team. The boys were sixth of seven in team scoring and Casey said: “This meet was a good start to the season and most of our returning runners were faster than at this course last year, we saw some nice performances, and have a good idea where we can go from here.”
The girls were able to enjoy the mild morning temperatures as well, as their race began about 10 minutes after the boys. Brighton Bair had a good start to her high school cross country career, with a 21st place finish in 23:54.
“All of our girls at this meet were new to cross country,” commented Casey. “We now have a good baseline for the rest of the season.”
Gwyn Hooks was the second lady Cowboy across the line, at 27:15 for 37th place, and she was followed by Rylee Butler, Kate Lockwood and Mason Holliday. The girls were also sixth place in team scoring.
“Overall we saw some great pack running in both races and need to keep that mentality as we work to lower the overall times,” said Casey. The team will now host the Cowboy Cross Country Invitational, which is being held Friday, Aug. 30. Meeker High School is partnering with Pioneers Hospital to have a community 5K race at 9 a.m., which will include the middle school 3K race. The high school races will get started at 9:45 a.m.
By Tiffany Jehorek | Special to the Herald Times
