RANGELY | After a challenging race last weekend, the Rangely harriers found comfort returning to a familiar course. The Panthers participated in the Basalt Longhorn Invitational on Saturday, a course known for its flat terrain, grassy paths and a refreshing stream crossing. Coach Scoggins noted, “This meet is well-organized, offers strong competition, and allows our runners to experience running through water.”
The junior high athletes also had their chance to shine in this event. Competing in a 1.5-mile race, girls and boys ran together. The team’s four athletes include three eighth graders and one seventh grader. Tavan Morgan, an eighth grader, led the team with an impressive time of 11:33. Alex Middleton made his racing debut with a time of 13:12, closely followed by Alec Gillard at 13:23. The lone female runner, Faith Prieto, completed the race in 14:49. Coach Scoggins shared, “Having our junior high runners attend the same meet as the high school athletes is enjoyable. It allows them to witness the high schoolers in action, fostering a supportive atmosphere.”
The high school girls were next in line. Given the scale of the meet, featuring 19 teams and a total of 162 girls and 165 boys, waves were introduced. The faster runners began in the first wave, followed by the second wave three minutes later. Freshman Taya Wren capitalized on the early start, maintaining her pace and eventually securing fifth place with a time of 21:04. Samantha Granger followed with a time of 29:13, while Macy Morgan completed the course in 31:47. Courtney Casto closely trailed at 31:50.
The boys were the day’s final race, although the wave format impacted their ability to run in a cohesive pack. James Talbot raced to a remarkable second place finish overall, clocking in at 17:22. Jay Valdez, starting in the second wave, navigated to a time of 20:33, a personal record. Logan Peterson, returning for his first meet of the season, achieved a time of 22:26, securing the third position for the team. Justin Allred kept pace with a time of 22:33. Kacey Allred and Lincoln Harris maintained a close race, with Kacey slightly edging ahead at 23:17, and Lincoln following at 23:26. Matthew Morgan set a new personal record at 26:26. Despite not feeling his best, Gage Nielsen completed the race valiantly in 30:05.
Coach Scoggins offered her assessment, stating, “They performed admirably, yet there’s still room for improvement. We’ll maintain our dedication during practices and meets. They are a fun team with great potential.”
The Rangely harriers will enjoy a week off before resuming their running endeavors the following weekend. The junior high school team is set to compete at the Coal Ridge meet on Friday, Sept. 9, while the high school runners will take on the Grand Junction Invitational at Grand Junction Connected Lakes.
