The Rangely Panthers took a trip back to Confluence Park in Delta, Colorado, this past weekend, but this time with the pressures of racing in the 2A Region 4 Championships with a ticket to the state championships on the line. Only the top 15 individual finishers and members of the top five teams are given a spot at the state championships. A late morning start, flat course through the changing trees and around the lake, and tough competition promised all racers a good day.
The Panthers “punched their ticket” to the state cross country championships at the Delta regional
tournament. | MATT SCOGGINS PHOTO
Macy Morgan got the Panthers going in the girls race. With big hopes of hitting another personal best, Morgan pushed herself from the beginning. Unfortunately an injury held her back from where she was hoping to finish, but she still managed a strong 25:34 to finish 63rd.
“I’m so proud of Macy,” said coach Beth Scoggins. “She has improved tremendously over the season and today she gave it her all. She was so brave in her racing and training and I’m so excited to see her continue to improve as a runner.”
The boys team lined up next, determined to show that they were well deserving of a state qualification spot. James Talbot led the way for the Panthers, running side by side with the state’s second ranked runner for over half of the race. Not quite able to go with him all the way, Talbot settled into second place and crossed the line comfortably ahead of third place in 17:05. Andrew Dorris came across next in a tight race with several others. Dorris finished 6th overall in 17:49.
WIth Talbot and Dorris having secured their individual spots at the state championship, their eyes turned to their teammates to see if they would secure a top five team finish. Anthony Dorris closed hard on his way to finish 28th in 19:33. His kick at the end made a big difference, as only three seconds separated him from 34th. Kevin Wren was the final scoring member of the Panthers, coming across the line 39th with a time of 19:55.
Fisher Winder was Rangely’s fifth runner, working hard the last mile to catch as many runners as he could. He finished in 44th with a personal best time of 20:02. Logan Peterson was next for the Panthers in personal best fashion as well, crossing the line in 20:56 to finish 59th. Justin Allred finished in 69th in 21:56 with Joseph Valdez ending the day for the Panthers in 23:17.
Sticking around for the award ceremony shortly after the race, the team got to cheer on Andrew Dorris as he received his sixth place ribbon and Talbot as he accepted his second place ribbon. Team results were announced in ascending order and state qualifiers started in fifth place — West Grand, fourth place — Lake County, third place — Crested Butte, second place — Rangely, and first place — Olathe. The Panthers scored 71 points as they punched their ticket to the state championship next weekend.
“The boys really took care of business,” said coach Scoggins. “All season we’ve had it in our mind that we could not only qualify for state, but that we could be one of the top teams in the region. They’ve really been coming around nicely as individual competitors and as a team. They should be confident and proud of themselves. I know I am.”
The Panthers toe the line against the state’s finest distance runners next week in Colorado Springs. They will compete Saturday, Oct. 29 at 12:20 p.m.
Special to the Herald Times
