MEEKER | The Barone Middle School cross country team wrapped up its season Saturday morning at the Moffat County Invitational. The Cowboys closed their year on the road after hosting their home meet the previous weekend at Ute Park in Meeker.
Head coach Sean Damitz said the home meet was a highlight of the season, both for the athletes and the families who came out to support them.
“I felt like the team had a solid performance at the home meet on a deceptively challenging course at Ute Park,” Damitz said. “It was a nice change of pace not having to be on the bus before dawn and traveling a few hours to a race. Our parents have come to most of the races this year, so it was nice having them, extended family, and friends all at the meet. The team had a lot more confidence going into this race. It helped having practiced running it through and talking about race strategy over the previous week.”
At the home meet, eighth grader Arionah Gutierrez paced the Cowboys with a 22nd-place finish in 15 minutes, 24.25 seconds. Seventh graders Jaylyn Tatum (41st, 17:55.22), Gracelyn Walker (44th, 18:09.54) and Jayna Damitz (45th, 18:39.12) also turned in strong efforts on the challenging course.
The Cowboys then closed their season in Craig, where Gutierrez again led the way, placing 20th in 17:37.81. Walker finished 36th in 20:15.13, followed closely by Tatum in 37th (20:32.69) and Damitz in 43rd (22:25.07).
“I was really proud of the team and our showing at the last meet,” Damitz said. “The team gritted through a number of injuries and other challenges throughout the season, so it was great to see everyone racing strong.”
Gutierrez provided strong and steady leadership as the team’s lone eighth grader, while the seventh graders gained valuable experience.
“Our seventh graders learned a lot this season and built up a lot of self-determination that showed through in this last race,” Damitz said. “I was especially proud of how these girls bonded together and pushed each other the last two months.”
Looking ahead, Damitz said the team is eager to carry that momentum into track and field this spring and hopes to see even more athletes come out for cross country next fall.
“This is such a character-building sport, and I’m excited to keep building on the strong team ethic these runners have developed,” he said.
The year ended with a strong race at home and on the road, giving families and supporters plenty to cheer about as the program looks ahead.
By JARED HENDERSON |
