MOODY – With five runners returning from last season’s Class 2A state qualifying team, the Meridian Lady Jacket cross country squad raced toward a repeat trip in its first meet of the season.
Led by top 15 finishes from senior Dakota Cassidy (4th), senior Mallory Paruszewski (6th), junior Norah Lira (10th) and senior Reese Errington (13th), the Lady Jackets ran away with the team title at the Moody Invitational last Friday. Meridian scored 63 points to easily outpace host Moody with 93, followed by West with 102.
“I am super excited about this group of athletes,” Meridian cross country coach Jill Kendall said. “We have 10 girls running, of which five went to state last year. I expect nothing less than another state qualifying trip in their future. We also have a strong JV group that will be pushing the varsity, which will keep them on their toes.”
Although Meridian did not compete as a team on the Boys Division, top Jacket finishers were De’Marius Parks (38th), Cody Warren (57) and Zak Dirkse (58th).
“We have three returning senior boys who all went to regionals last year,” Kendall said. “We are hopeful that we can find two more boys in high school to make up a team. I see lots of good things in their futures.”
Photos courtesy of JILL KENDALL & BECKY PARUSZEWSKI
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