By Coach Kevin Gartman
The Montezuma cross country programs took to Iowa City Kickers Soccer Park for a meet hosted by Clear Creek-Amana on Monday evening, Sept. 28.
Running first in the evening was the JH Bravettes. Led by third-place finisher Ellen Cook, who caught and edged out an opponent at the finish line, the Bravettes placed 5th.
Ellen’s time was good enough for a new best JH girls time on the course. In addition, teammates Claire Erselius, Catelynn Coffin, and Amy Longfellow all turned in top 10 Montezuma times.
On the boys side, a familiar theme played out as Luke Erselius turned in a new best Montezuma JH time on the two-mile course. The boys team finished 9th, but Jusiah Wetering, Kohen Holland, and Carson Van Der Hart all had admirable finishes.
Running first, and breaking from traditional order, the varsity boys race was a highly competitive field. Brydon Henning placed 21st for the Braves, Gavin Strong set a new personal record, Cam Johnson tied his record, and Jack Erselius and Colton Benson turned in consistent performances to help the boys to an 8th place finish.
Finishing out the night, the varsity girls competed against a tough field and held their own.
The Bravettes finished in 5th place on the night with 101 points, trailing Cedar Rapids Xavier, who finished with 99 points, and a 1A ranked team in Prince of Peace, who finished with 98 points.
With only three points separating third through fifth places, the individual performances were a little extra important in this one. Elise Boulton finished in 6th place with sister Mia Boulton medaling in 15th.
Madison “MJ” Johannes, Carmen Klos, Haley Van Der Hart, Kenna Johannes, and Lydia Singleton battled in the competitive varsity race and turned in strong performances, changing up the top 10 course times from years past.
At the JV level, Ashlee Eilander finished as runner-up, with Camryn Brennan in 7th, and Alyssa Cline following closely behind.
COMING UP – The high school cross country teams travel south to Winfield-Mt. Union for a Thursday. Oct. 1 meet, facing a program in Danville-New London that is ranked on the girls side and the #1 team in 2A on the boys side. The meet should be a quick one and competitive!