MEEKER | The Meeker Cowboys cross country team traveled to Grand Junction this past weekend to compete at Las Colonias Park for the Warrior Invitational, hosted by Central High School.
The team brought four boys for the varsity race and five for the junior varsity. Head Coach Marty Casey said he was pleased with the team’s effort in the season opener.
“All of our varsity runners were faster than at their first race last year,” Casey said.
Sophomore Ryan Hanberg led the boys varsity team, placing 36th in 19:36 on the 5K course, followed by Bradley Conrado (43rd, 20:04), Cameron Hanberg (45th, 20:20) and Ashton Tapia (64th, 21:59). The JV boys ran a 2.5K course with Landon Damitz finishing first for Meeker in 15th place (10:20), followed by Jackson Steele (25th, 11:19), Remy Broussard (41st, 13:49), Asa Scofield (42nd, 14:22) and Lucas Robinson (44th, 15:34).
Casey highlighted one individual performance that stood out. “Ryan Hanberg really ran well, setting a new personal record. Great to see a PR at the first meet!” he said.
On the girls side, senior Haylee Steele started her season strong with a 13:35 2.5K race, placing 15th in the JV girls division.
Looking ahead, Casey said the team will focus on building endurance and confidence for the 5K distance.
This weekend, the Cowboys will compete in Leadville. Casey said the high altitude and challenging course will be a test for the team.
“A reminder to monitor their breathing will be the mantra for this meet. I am not sure all of my runners would agree, but I personally prefer the tough courses. This is Colorado; all of the cross country courses should be epic!” he said.
The Cowboys hope to build on their season-opening performance as they take on the high-altitude course in Leadville, aiming to improve times and gain valuable experience in the challenging early-season races.
