The Meeker High School cross country team competed Sept. 12 at the Anna Banana Invitational hosted by Fruita High School.
The boys team finished fifth out of 12 scoring teams, with Bradley Conrado leading Meeker for the second straight meet.
Conrado finished 13th overall in the boys 5K with a time of 18 minutes, 17 seconds. Landon Damitz followed in 19th at 18:33, while junior Ryan Hanberg was Meeker’s third finisher in 35th at 19:16.
Ashton Tapia finished in 21:01, while sophomore Jackson Steele rounded out Meeker’s five scoring runners in 21:57.
“Those three continue to work together and push each other, in practice and in competition,” Casey said of Conrado, Damitz and Hanberg. “I expect to keep seeing the results of their hard work.”
Conrado and Damitz have also developed a friendly rivalry for the top spot on the team.
“Brad and Landon are keeping their friendly rivalry going for that top spot this year,” Casey said. “That drive certainly shows, and the team benefits.”
Meeker finished with 171 points and a combined team time of 1 hour, 41 minutes, 7 seconds.
“This group came into the season better conditioned than last year,” Casey said. “While we still have room for improvement, I have been pleased so far.”
On the girls side, Tinlie Strate was Meeker’s only competitor, finishing 29th in the girls 5K with a time of 23:13. Strate improved from a 25:07 finish at the Battle Mountain Husky Invitational in Minturn.
“Tinlie had a great race,” Casey said. “She is learning race strategy and how far she can push herself. Our goal is still to keep her healthy for later in the season.”
The Cowboys return to competition Saturday at the Eagle Valley Cross Country Invitational at Siena Valley Club in Gypsum. High school races begin at 10:45 a.m.
“The Eagle Valley meet is known for excellent competition which should only help to bring out the best in our runners, and I am looking forward to that,” Casey said.
Bradley Conrado (left) and Tinlie Strate (right) competed in Fruita’s Anna Banana invitational, finishing 13th and 29th, respectively.