GOLDTHWAITE – After experiencing frustrating circumstances at the Glen Rose Invitational Sept. 18, the Meridian Lady Jacket varsity cross country team stepped it up at the Priddy Invitational at the Beaumont Ranch in Grandview last Wednesday to tie Class 4A Brownwood for first place in the team standings — the third meet championship of the season for the Meridian girls.
The Meridian boys and girls high school and junior high cross country teams will hit the road today to compete at the Goldthwaite Eagle Invitational at the Goldthwaite Golf Course.
At the Priddy Meet last week, senior Dakota Cassidy claimed the individual bronze and senior Mallory Paruszewski placed fourth to lead the Lady Jackets. Junior Norah Lira medaled in 14th place, followed by freshman Cambree White (22nd) and senior Reese Errington (25th). Both Meridian and Brownwood finished with 62 points, followed by Goldthwaite with 82.
Demonstrating the depth of the Meridian girls cross country program, the Lady Jacket junior varsity girls brought home the second place team plaque, finishing behind Brownwood by only four points. With all five Meridian girls placing in the top 15, freshman Meryl Roberson placed fourth, followed by junior Faith Paruszewski (7th), sophomore Haley Creech (8th), sophomore Braislee White (11th) and junior Burkly Paruszewski (15th).
“I’m very proud of their efforts on bringing home another plaque,” Meridian cross country head coach Jill Kendall said. “I’m also so very proud of the JV efforts this week. This was the first time they have all medaled at a meet.”
Led by Daylyn Cassidy, the Meridian 8th grade girls finished third as a team. Cassidy claimed the individual bronze medal with her best time of the season, followed by Summer Chen (15th), Eve Dirkse (29th), Canyon Stauffer (33rd) and Journey Stauffer (36th).
Although the Meridian varsity boys did not have enough to compete as a team, seniors De’Marius Parks (28th), Zak Dirkse (35th) and Cody Warren (63rd) represented the Yellowjackets. Alex Rodriguez, the only Meridian JH boy to run, finished 19th.
For complete results, click here: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/157697/results
Photos by JILL KENDALL & BECKY PARUSZEWSKI
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