Five cross country teams joined Meeker for the Invitational meet on Saturday, Aug. 20. The first competition of the season, there were a total of 73 runners on the course between varsity and JV with a good mix of competition from Aspen, Battle Mountain, Rangely, Rifle and Soroco with perfect weather for running.
73 varsity and junior varsity runners competed on a revised cross country course in Meeker last weekend. | MARTY CASEY PHOTO
“We added a significant trail section to our course this year, both in terrain and elevation gain,” said head coach Marty Casey. “It seemed to be well received, for the most part, and allowed us to remove some less exciting portions elsewhere.”
The boys varsity race began the day with 28 competitors. Wyatt Rollins, a sophomore, was Meeker’s first to the finish line, in 21:51 for 11th place. A few places behind at 15th was Gabe Smithers, a junior, at 22:33. Our first senior to the finish in 23:06 and 17th place was Gage Richardson. Freshman Aidan Tapia finished the course in 21st place, in 23:59. Eddie Drussell, also a senior, ran a 24:19 for 23rd. Oliver Holmes, a junior but new to Meeker’s cross country squad, finished 25th in 24:44.
Brighton Bair, an MHS senior this year, was the sole varsity runner in the girls division. She finished eighth out of 20 finishers, with a time of 24:29.
Meeker had two entries in the JV boys race: Cameron Hanberg and Remy Broussard, both freshmen, completing the course in 30:56 and 36:27, for 12th and 14th places, respectively.
Haylee Steele, also a freshman and Meeker’s single representative for girls JV, finished in eighth place at 33:07.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped out at the meet — all of the volunteers, Wendll’s for coffee and burritos for the coaches and the Rec Center for use of the timing equipment,” Casey said.
BY MARTY CASEY
Special to the Herald Times
