GLEN ROSE – Battling rough running conditions at Dinosaur Valley Park last Wednesday, senior Dakota Cassidy led the Meridian Lady Jacket cross country team to a fourth place finish at the Glen Rose Invitational.
Cassidy placed eighth individually as the Lady Jackets crossed the finish line with 135 points, besting host Glen Rose, but finishing behind meet champion Godley (43), runner-up Mildred (98) and Granbury (106).
Despite the strong showing, Meridian cross country head coach Jill Kendall expressed her displeasure with the meet as the Lady Jackets turned their attention to competing in the Priddy Invitational at the Beaumont Ranch in Grandview today at 1 p.m.
“I was not pleased with the course layout at Glen Rose,” Kendall said. “There were lots of issues with spectators being in the way of runners, blocking running paths, wrong turns taken, etc. Our times are not reflective of what we are capable of running due to some of those issues.”
Behind Cassidy, junior Norah Lira finished in 29th place, followed by senior Mallory Paruszewski (30th), freshman Cambree White (38th) and senior Reese Errington (48th).
In the Junior Varsity Division, sophomore Braislee White placed seventh, followed by junior Faith Paruszewski (18th), freshman Meryl Roberson (19th) and sophomore Haley Creech (21st). Meridian eighth grader Daylyn Cassidy captured the bronze medal in the Junior High Division.
Although not competing as a team, the Meridian varsity boys were led by its trio of seniors, De’Marius Parks (84th), Zak Dirske (85th) and Cody Warren (89th).
“I am super proud of how everyone fought through their races,” Kendall said. “And I look forward to a better ran meet next week in Priddy.”
Photos courtesy of JILL KENDALL & BECKY PARUSZEWSKI
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