RANGELY | The Panther cross country team stayed close to home, traveling to the Coal Ridge Invitational. This was the first time the high school had participated in this meet, held at VIX Park. The course consisted of dirt trails and some pavement, with challenging hills that tested the runners. It turned out to be a strong meet, with several personal records (PRs), especially among the new runners who are still learning how to race.
The girls’ varsity team ran first. Taya Wren secured 3rd place overall with a time of 19:41, setting a new personal best. Next for the girls was Courtney Casto, finishing in 25:43, followed closely by Faith Prieto with a time of 25:45, an over-a-minute PR for her. Addison Thayn also had a great race, cutting over 90 seconds off her time to finish at 28:46. Although the four girls couldn’t score as a team in this meet, they hope to in future races.
The boys’ varsity team finished 7th overall. Joseph Valdez led the team with a season-best time of 19:27, placing 20th. Kellen Lefevre followed closely with a time of 19:49, earning 22nd place and a new personal best. Dylan Moran also set a 90-second PR with a time of 21:08. Tavan Morgan was right behind with a personal best of 21:56, improving by nearly two minutes. Matthew Morgan rounded out the varsity team with a season-best of 25:13.
Due to meet restrictions, only six runners could participate in the varsity race, so Kyler Fouts and Gage Nielsen ran in the JV race. Fouts set a 2-minute PR with a time of 24:02, while Nielsen finished in 28:29.
After the high school races, it was time for the middle school teams. The girls raced first, with Alyxis Boren determined to earn a ribbon. She decided mid-race she wanted a blue ribbon, and she took off, leaving the pack behind. Boren won the 3k race with a time of 11:33. Kesleigh Kennedy and Hailey Armstrong, both dual-sport athletes, competed in their first cross-country meet. Kennedy finished in 13:50, while Armstrong clocked in at 15:56. Kylee Caldwell ran between them, setting a new personal record with a time of 15:39.
For the boys, Alec Gillard and Tex Bird represented the team. Gillard finished 8th with a time of 12:13, earning a ribbon, while Bird came in 12th with a time of 12:36.
“The runners are progressing well, and it’s fun to see them improve. They’re getting stronger and faster as the season goes on. We still have work to do, but we’ll get there,” said Coach Scoggins.
This week, the team will head to the Warrior Lincoln Park Classic in Grand Junction on Friday, Sept. 20. The course is expected to be fast, with 30 teams from across Colorado and Utah, providing strong competition and the potential for more PRs.