The Rangely Panthers high school cross country teams traveled to Dolores for the state qualifying Colorado 2A Region 4 Championships.
Taya Wren, Courntey Casto, and Macy Morgan lined up first. Freshman Wren secured a spot at state, getting towards the front of the race early and racing to a fourth place finish in 22:05, three minutes faster than her August time.
Casto ran nearly nine minutes faster than her early season performance, finishing her first regional championships in 26:16 for 36th place. Morgan, senior and captain for the lady Panthers, finished her last cross country race for Rangely in 32:42.
“I’m so proud of these girls,” said Coach Beth Scoggins. “Taya and Courtney have been such great freshmen, seemingly improving with each week and day. I am a little heartbroken knowing I won’t be coaching Macy anymore, however. I’ve been coaching her since she was in the sixth grade and I’m so proud of who she has become. She is a terrific runner and an even better person. She has become a great leader for both my girls and boys teams.”
For the 2A boys, the top five teams from each region in addition to any athlete to finish in the top 15 move on to race in Colorado Springs next weekend. The young Panthers fell just shy of their goal and finished seventh in the team standings.
James Talbot secured his spot at state with an 18:23 time and his fourth victory in a row and was crowned 2A Region 4 champion. Joseph Valdez was next across the line in 26th place with a time of 21:05. Logan Peterson ran 21:53 and senior Justin Allred came across the line in 22:21. Lincoln Harris ran 23:48, Gage Neilsen finished in 25:57, and Matthew Morgan came in at 26:22.
“We didn’t quite end the season how we had hoped on the boys side,” said Scoggins. “There is still a lot to be proud of from this race and the season as a whole. James has put himself in a really good position heading into the state championships and I’m excited to see what he can put together in the next week. Sadly, this was Justin’s last cross country meet for RHS and he is going to be sorely missed.”
Wren and Talbot will be competing at the 2A Cross Country Championships Saturday, Oct. 28, in Colorado Springs.
