IOWA CITY – Montezuma’s cross country runners didn’t let the wind or the timing clock stop them at the Clipper Classic on Monday, Sept. 26, hosted by Clear Creek-Amana at Kickers Park in Iowa City.
“We know that the course always runs a little long, and with tonight’s win, it made for a tough, tough race,” said Montezuma Coach Kevin Gartman.
“I thought this meet was the strongest we’ve competed as a team, as the field ran on average about a minute and a half slower than usual,” the coach said.
“That perspective changes a lot, as many runners felt as strong as they’ve been, only to be disappointed by the clock,” Gartman said.
“While we can’t just take that time away, it goes to show that we were in fact competing at a very high level tonight,” he said. “Take the clock away, seeing us win many battles at the finish line makes me proud!”
Gartman said Montezuma’s varsity runners dropped between 40 seconds and 5:30 off their times on this course last year. “Those are significant cuts,” he said.
The varsity boys were sixth out of eight competing teams, paced by Carter McKee’s 31st-place finish in a 102-runner field.
The varsity girls were fourth out of four full squads. Ellen Cook was 15th in an 82-runner field. Medalists were Cook, Claire Erselius and Madison Johannes.
Montezuma’s middle school girls ran a full scoring squad. They placed fourth out of four, and got a solid 11th-place finish from Lauren Larmore in a 116-runner race.
There were 169 runners in the middle school race, with Linkyn Bru leading Montezuma with a 62nd-place finish.
‘THROWING’ A SHOE – Varsity runner Mia Boulton lost one of her shoes three miles into her five-mile run. She finished that way, and maintained her pace in the race!
UP NEXT – Montezuma’s high school runners will compete Saturday in a 42-team extravaganza at Wartburg College. The junior high athletes will begin prepping for Montezuma’s home meet on Thursday, Sept. 6.
Clipper XC Classic
at Kickers Park, Iowa City
Boys Varsity
Montezuma placed 6th of 8 scoring teams. There were 102 runners.
Braves results – 31, Carter McKee, 20:05.41. 40, Jayden Ross, 20:23.93. 48, Jack Erselius, 20:50.29. 56, Colton Benson, 21:30.48. 64, Bryson Stockman, 22:11.85. 69, Kohen Holland, 212:36.70. 75, Jusiah Wetering, 23:19.13.
Girls Varsity
Montezuma placed 4th of 4 scoring teams. There were 82 runners.
Bravette results – 15, Ellen Cook, 22:59.09. 19, Claire Erselius, 23:24.16. 23, Madison Johannes, 24:05.35. 32, Mia Boulton, 25:06.66. 35, Lydia Singleton, 25:31.96. 38, Ashlee Eilander, 26:06.93. 45, Alivia Cline, 26:38.24. 58, Makenna Johannes, 27:56.88. 62, Camryn Brennan, 28:52.90. 63, Haileah Eichenberger, 29:06.58. 82, Faith Ferry, 39:08.34.
Middle school boys
There were 169 runners.
Braves results – 62, Linkyn Bru, 14:45.50. 97, Dayton Reif, 16:07.65.
Middle school girls – 116 runners
Montezuma placed 6th of 6 scoring teams.
Bravette results – 11, Lauren Larmore, 13:43.67. 49, Vivian Cook, 16:42.95. 59, Alexa Rose, 17:27.53. 79, Sophia Semprini, 18:52.45. 110, Olivia Burnett, 22:30.59.