The Meeker High School cross country team continued its season Sept. 25 at the Delta-Sweitzer Lake Invitational, turning in several strong performances despite competing with a shortened roster.
The meet was moved from Sweitzer Lake State Park to Confluence Park in Delta because of unfavorable course conditions. Sophomore Tinlie Strate finished 40th in the girls 5K with a personal-record time of 22 minutes, 58 seconds.
Strate said the work she has put in during practice and weights class has helped her continue lowering her times.
“What has helped me improve over the past weekends is how much work we put in during practice and in my weights class before practice,” Strate said.
She is now aiming to qualify for the Class 2A state meet while continuing to strengthen her Achilles and work toward a 21:30.
Meeker had four boys competing, led by sophomore Landon Damitz in 19th at 18:03. Junior Ryan Hanberg followed in 27th at 18:34.
Damitz said he was pleased with the progress but believes he still has more to give.
“I feel amazing after getting an 18:03. It’s great progress; however, I feel I definitely didn’t go all out, and I should have gotten a sub 18,” Damitz said.
The time also moved Damitz closer to his goal of challenging Meeker’s school 5K record.
Hanberg said his 18:34 reflected the work the Cowboys have put in during recent weeks.
“I feel super proud of the 18:34 last weekend,” Hanberg said. “We definitely have been putting in lots of effort into training over the last few weeks, and it is definitely paying off.”
The Delta course also gave the Cowboys a preview of conditions similar to what they will see at regionals.
“It felt really nice to visit the course before regionals, and we certainly saw lots of familiar faces that we will be competing
with for a spot in state,” Hanberg said.
Hanberg said the team has also grown mentally and developed a stronger bond throughout the season, something he believes will be important as the Cowboys focus on pack running heading into regionals.
Sophomore Jackson Steele also set a personal record, finishing 79th in 20:51. Junior Ashton Tapia rounded out the Meeker runners in 103rd at 22:23.
Head coach Marty Casey said the Cowboys were missing several runners but still saw positive performances.
“We were down a few runners this week, but still saw some great racing,” Casey said. “Tinlie and Jackson set new PRs, and Landon and Ryan were much faster on this course than last year.”
With regionals approaching, Damitz said he has confidence in the work the Cowboys have put in throughout the summer and school year.
“As we begin to move closerto regionals, I have no worry in my mind that we’ll make it to state as a team,” Damitz said. “This year the MHS cross country team has put in the hard work during the school year and the summer.”
The Cowboys return to competition Saturday at the Chris Severy Invitational at Aspen High School, with races scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m.
