Staying on the western slope this past weekend, the Rangely Panther cross country teams competed in the Grand Junction Tiger Invitational.. Thankful to not have to line up against over 200 runners on a tough, hilly course like last weekend, the runners still had to be ready for an intense race through the Connected Lakes State Park. Toeing the line were athletes from some of the best 3A, 4A, and 5A teams on this side of the state.
Rylee Allred and Macy Morgan got season bests in the girls varsity race. | MATT SCOGGINS PHOTO
The course turned out to be quite favorable for just about every athlete running Saturday. Macy Morgan and Rylee Allred got the morning started for the Panthers with a pair of season bests in the girls varsity race, running 28:33 and 33:17, respectively. Logan Peterson, Joseph Valdez, Matthew Morgan and Colton Stevens competed in the boys JV race with great runs as well. Peterson and Valdez finished neck and neck, both with a personal best time of 23:15. Morgan also brought home a personal best of 27:23.
James Talbot led the boys varsity team as he crossed the line in a personal best of 17:21 to finish ninth. Andrew Dorris finished in 25th with a season best 18:29. Anthony Dorris (19:52), Kevin Wren (19:58), Fisher Winder (20:52), and Justin Allred (22:30) all ran season best times as well to round out the varsity squad. The boys finished 6th overall and were the highest placing 2A team.
“This was a great meet for us to bounce back at,” said coach Beth Scoggins. “We were eager to get out fast on this course and see what we could do. I was really pleased with everyone and am so proud of how the teams were willing to just go for it.”
The Panthers will have the next weekend off from racing, taking the time to recoup and prepare for the second half the season. Rangely’s next meet will be in Craig, Colorado, at Loudy-Simpson Park for the Moffat County Invitational.
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