Cross country running strong

The Bobcat Cross Country team has been busy with a competition in Buffalo on Saturday, September 5, followed by a meet in Riverton on September 10.

In Buffalo they weren’t able to bring the full team, but coach Stephanie Metz said those who did compete competed extremely well.

“We had several who ran their first race for the season in Buffalo and some that competed in a cross country meet for the first time ever,” she said. “It was a smooth course, mostly flat and the weather wasn’t too hot for the team in the morning, all great running conditions.”

Hallie Martinez and Ruthanne Johnson lead the pack for the girls team, competing amazingly with the other teams. Both girls finished in the top 10.

Bekah Johnson had a huge time drop from last week and Metz said she is gearing up to have her best season yet.

Elizabeth Keller ran her first race ever and competed well. Metz said she’s going to be a great addition to the girls team.

On the boys side, Issac Robinson and Seth Needham were the only two able to compete at the meet, but both had phenomenal races.

“It was the opening race for both boys as they weren’t able to compete in Powell the previous weekend,” Metz said. “Both have things to improve upon for Riverton. Our boys team is looking strong and should be ready to compete in Riverton on Thursday.”

In Riverton, the girls ran extremely well with everyone running a personal record and dropping considerable time.

Metz said the team’s splits are improving as the kids are learning how to pace a 3.1 mile race. The course in Riverton is fairly flat which helped the team run their best.

The boys had the same positive outcome with everyone dropping time and improving from each meet.

“My experienced runners are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were at this point in the season last year,” Metz said. “Gearing up for this weekend we are going to be focusing on hill training and how to succeed up the hill at our golf course.”

The team will be competing at home this Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at the golf course.