By Coach Kevin Gartman
ANKENY – The Montezuma Bravettes placed third as a team at the junior high state cross country meet on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The meet was the Washburn Classic, which is the 26th annual state cross country meet for middle school athletes.
On a day that started rainy and cold, the clouds cleared just in time for the Class 1A girls race and just like the sun, the girls began to shine.
With 151 runners at the start line for the combined 1A-2A 8th grade girls class, it was the biggest meet that the team had competed in all year.
The entire meet had approximately 1,500 athletes participating in grades 7 and 8.
For the Bravettes, third place as a team was an exciting finish in its first experience at Ankeny Centennial High School.
Ellen Cook placed 19th in the two-mile race, with Alivia Cline right behind her in 21st.
Makenna Johannes recovered from an early stumble out of the gate, fighting off an injured ankle to finish 25th.
Once again, pack running was successful as Lydia Singleton finished right behind in 27th.
Rounding out the top seven runners for Montezuma were Aja Kapayou, Ashlee Eilander, and Camryn Brennan, all of which showed great growth from their previous two-mile competition in early October.
As the junior high season comes to a close, there is a lot to be proud of in terms of the junior high program as a whole.
The future looks very bright for all athletes and teams!
