The Barone Middle School cross country team competed in races over the past two weekends,
starting with a race in Steamboat Springs on Sept. 7, hosted by Steamboat Springs Middle
School. The team enjoyed ideal race conditions with more than 60 competitors racing that
morning.
On the girls’ side, Arionah Gutierrez finished just outside the top 10 with a time of 15:41 on the
2-mile course. She was followed closely by Annie Fuller, who finished in 18:27. Head coach
Sean Damitz expressed his excitement about how the team competed.
“Everyone ran off the starting line aggressively this past race week,” Damitz said.
On the boys’ side, Landon Damitz finished eighth with a time of 15:05, and Jackson Steele
finished 19th with a time of 16:36. The team identified areas to improve before their next race in
New Castle.
“We are working on running fast with a relaxed upper body and being able to hold our finishing
kicks longer,” Damitz said.
The following weekend, the team had a strong performance at the Coal Ridge Invitational at Vix
Ranch in New Castle. Racers once again enjoyed ideal, sunny, and not-too-warm conditions on
the hilly 3-kilometer (1.86-mile) course, which featured 95 middle school athletes.
On the boys’ side, John Anthony Castillo finished 39th with a time of 16:12, and Talen Walker
finished 34th with a time of 15:31. Both ran impressive first races of the season, bringing the
boys to a full-scoring team of five, finishing fourth overall. Landon Damitz had his breakout race
of the season, steadily passing opponents and finishing second with a time of 11:28. He was
followed by strong performances from Jackson Steele, who finished 21st in 13:34, and Colton
Ruder, who finished 25th in 13:52.
“Everyone ran smart and finished strong last Friday,” Damitz said.
On the girls’ side, after shaking off some pre-race nerves, Annie Fuller secured a top-20 finish in
14:25. Arionah Gutierrez earned a top-10 ribbon, finishing 10th with a time of 12:52.
Looking ahead to their upcoming races, Damitz explained what the team is focusing on.
“We are trying to address soreness and injuries as we tackle two meets this week,” he said.
The team heads to the Sleeping Giant Meet on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and will race on their
home course in Meeker on Saturday morning, Sept. 21. Community members are encouraged
to come out and support the student-athletes, but be sure to bring extra coffee—these runners
may zip right past you!
By Jared Henderson | Special to the HT