Runners stay strong at Saratoga memorial meet

The harriers are posting good times according to head cross country coach Craig Leavitt.

The varsity teams traveled to Saratoga to take part in the Shana Ward Memorial Invitational at the Saratoga Inn Golf Course. A segment of the team had originally planned to go to Utah to compete in the Border Wars Cross Country Championships in Salt Lake City, but later declined to attend.

“They had some good times, some nice PRs (Personal Records),” Leavitt said.

For the girls, sophomore Madison Murdock finished 10th at 22:48.09, with freshman Isabelle Murdock finishing behind her in 11th place at 23:08.09. Freshman Lily Murdock took 20th at 24:42.37, followed by junior runner Jayleigh Wright taking 21st in 24:45.49. Sophomore Jordan Parker was the next Lady Wolf to finish the run, taking 27th at 25:36.57, with freshman Meeka Iwen taking 35th at 27:12.67 and junior Lydia Westenskow finishing in 37th at 28:10.57. The Lady Wolves took fourth overall, finishing with 54 points.

On the boys’ side, junior Nathan Stevenson secured a top 10 finish by placing fifth in 18:46.32. Sophomore Lucas Knight was the next Wolf to finish, taking 12th at 19:29.53, followed by Junior Hale Iwen placing 18th at 19:49.68. Iwen was closely followed by junior Shay O’Media, who took 20th with a time of 20:07.29. Junior James Harper was the final Wolf to cross the finish line, taking 39th with a time of 22:01.07. Overall, the Wolves took fourth at the meet, scoring 55 points.

“They’re doing pretty well,” Leavitt said.

One competitor that hasn’t had a chance to compete is Madison Yoak, the only senior on the girls’ team. Leavitt said she hasn’t been cleared to run this season. He hopes she will be able to participate later in the season.