Coming off strong showings in Rio Vista & Round Rock, Clifton boys & girls cross country teams appear poised to challenge for District 17-3A titles in McGregor
Ready to throw it into high gear after preparing in six invitational meets, the Clifton boys and girls cross country teams appear primed for the District 17-3A Championships this Saturday at McGregor High School.
The Clifton boys enter the meet as the defending district champions last year, while the Lady Cubs were the district runner-up.
Competing in the Rio Vista Invitational last Wednesday, the Lady Cubs ran away with the team title by scoring 28 points, well ahead of runner-up Aquilla (103), bronze medalist Poolville (105), fourth place Keene (110) and Meridian in fifth place (124).
Leading the way for the Lady Cubs in the two-mile run among 76 runners, Alli Hunt placed fifth with a time of 14:49.00, followed by Natalia Cathcart in sixth place at 15:00.67 and Scarlett Kennedy in eighth, as well as Audrey Stenmark, Mattie Taylor and Sophia Ritzmann all finishing in the top 15.
“I think the Rio Vista meet will give the girls some momentum heading into district,” Clifton cross country head coach Ryan Hunt said. “They had a good day and came away with the team title. They are heading the right direction as we get closer to district.”
Although the Clifton boys varsity team did not run in Rio Vista, the Cubs looked strong in the highly-competitive Hoka McNeil Invitational Sept. 20 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, placing fifth in a field that included 55 teams.
“The varsity boys were off this week after their strong performance in Round Rock last week,” Hunt said. “At this point, everyone has done what they need to do to put their self in a position to have a good day at distinct this week in McGregor. We’re looking forward to it, and I think we are going to be competitive.”
Individually, senior Brayden Stone placed fourth on the 5,000-meter course with a time of 16:45.70, followed by junior Giovanny Garcia, junior RJ Hikel, senior Tristan Ward and sophomore Reed Willmann.
“Our varsity boys had a good showing,” Hunt said. “We came to this meet because we knew it would be challenging, and I think they handled it well. Some good 3A teams were at the meet, and the guys managed to place a solid fifth out of 50-plus teams.
“Brayden had a phenomenal individual finish. It’s fun to see all the work he has put in paying off. I’m proud of our guys and look forward to the district meet.
“Our varsity girls have positioned themselves to complete for a spot going to regional. They definitely have the ability to do it. It’s just a matter of having a good day racing at the district meet.”
Photos by DALLAS PFEIL & courtesy of the CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK STAFF
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