MEEKER | Meeker Cross Country made two trips to Rangely on Friday for a varsity meet, and again Saturday morning for JV races. We had some scheduling conflicts and a bit of illness this week, which affected some of the runners for each race. The boys ran first at both meets, and Friday’s race had Shane Kobald as Meeker’s first finisher, taking 21st place, at 21:11. Gabe Richardson was close behind, at 21:19 and 23rd. Buzz Clatterbaugh had to fight the last 100 meters for 26th place, just edging out his competitor, at 21:32. Colby Clatterbaugh, Spud White and Ethan Drake all finished in quick succession, with Colby at 22:21 for 34th place, and White and Drake at 22:23 for 35th and 36th. The boys tied with Soroco for sixth place in points, but had a fifth runner for the tie-breaker.
In the girls’ race, Brighton Bair had a solid performance, 11th place, at 24:07. Savannah Mendenhall continues to run well, finishing in 25:18 for 22nd place. Aiyana McCook ran hard to her finish at 28:48 and 37th. Sarah Kracht was two places behind, finishing in 29:43, helping the girls to fifth place in team scoring.
On Saturday, Ashdon Seibert was the first Cowboy finisher in the boys’ race, at 23:18 and 11th place. Gabe Smithers had a great race, and a new personal record at 24:02, for 14th. Owen Hannemann was one place behind him, at 25:16, and Stephen Koenig was Meeker’s fourth finisher, in 21st place at 37:02. The boys were fourth as a team.
Meeker had three girls race on Saturday, not enough for a team score. Individually, however, Nora Gianinetti had a great race, finishing in third place at 25:55. Ainsley Selle moved up in the field throughout the race, crossing the line in 26:04, a new PR, and taking fourth place. Alana Nielsen finished in 16th place, at 33:15.
“We saw some great racing over the weekend. Great efforts, and very strong finishes,” said head coach Marty Casey. “Shane and Buzz both had to fight right to the end, and Ainsley held off three competitors all the way to the line.”
Meeker will be competing in Moffat County this weekend.
