RANGELY I It was a near perfect day for running this past Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the Norris Penrose Event Center, hosts of the 2020 Colorado State Cross Country Championships. A slight breeze, rolling hills, water crossing, and some of the state’s finest runners kept the Rangely Panthers on their toes as they maneuvered the 5-kilometer course.
The young and rising boys team started the weekend off for Rangely, with Andrew Dorris, Alex Black, Colton Noel, Kevin Wren and Fisher Widner racing. With two juniors, three sophomores, and Noel being the only athlete with state experience, the team ran a competitive race. Dorris just missed finishing in the top 50, as he placed 53rd in 19 minutes 37 seconds. Black and Noel were right behind him, finishing with times of 19:50 and 19:56, respectively. Wren was along shortly after in 21:18 with Widner closing just behind in 21:47. “It was an amazing weekend,” said head coach Beth Scoggins. “The boys had a great experience with the opportunity to see some great runners while setting new goals for where they want to be next season.”
Mary Scoggins was the lone girl running for the Panthers this year, but made the most of it by getting out hard and staying towards the front of the race the entire time. Scoggins, who has qualified for state in all three seasons she has run, finished with her best placing at the state meet as she ran her way to 17th with a time of 21:59. “It was exciting to see Mary pushing herself and towards the front of the race. Even though she ran great, she is already making plans to come back and place much higher her senior year,” coach Scoggins said.
The Rangely Panthers had a terrific season and will hopefully bring back every member of the state team next year. “I loved the season,” Scoggins said. “Even though meets looked a little bit different this year, we made the most of it and had a lot of fun. It was great having some of the football and volleyball players come out and run with the team. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to work with. Everyone grew and got faster.”
Special to the Herald Times
