RANGELY I In their final regular season cross country meet of the season, the Rangely Panthers traveled back to Craig, Colorado, for the fast and competitive Whistle Pig Invite. The constantly improving harriers competed well and made the most of the meet as they now prepare for the 2A Region 4 championships.
Mary Scoggins led the girls’ team as she finished in fourth with a season’s best time of 20:48, beating several 3A athletes who have beaten her in the past. The rest of the girls’ team also seemed to enjoy the fast course around the Yampa Valley Golf Course, with each of them setting new PRs. Dixie Rhea finished in 25:55, Annika Cantrell in 27:21, and Adelynn Halcomb broke 30 minutes for the first time as she closed in 29:28.
The boys’ team again finished as the top 2A team, placing third overall behind season and personal bests from each runner. Andrew Dorris completed the 5-kilometer race in under 19 minutes, finishing sixth overall in 18:43. Breaking 20 minutes and placing just outside of the top 10 was Alex Black and Colton Noel, who finished in 11th at 19:21 and 12th at 19:29, respectively. Fisher Widner (20:59), Kevin Wren (21:09), and Anthony Dorris (21:21) all stayed close and finished in the top 25 of the race to help the Panthers. Justin Allred also ran a great race as he finished with a time of 24:21.
“The regular season went really well,” said coach Beth Scoggins. “There was so much improvement over the year from everyone and I am very proud of how each kid has grown as an athlete and person.”
The season is not over yet for the Panthers though, as they will compete at the regional meet this Friday in Delta, Colorado, with hopes to qualify several athletes for the Colorado 2A State Cross Country Championships. Mary Scoggins is currently ranked first in the region and is looking to earn her first regional title. The boys will be vying for a strong team performance to send the boys as a team back to the state meet for the first time since 2011.
Special to the Herald Times
