PLEASANTVILLE – Montezuma’s cross country teams showed signs of improvement at the Pleasantville Invitational on Monday, Sept. 11.
Runners have been reeling after the tragic death of senior teammate Chloe Hutchcraft. But in this meet, they ran some improved times, and started packing more toward the front.
Both Montezuma varsity teams placed seventh.
In junior high action, Lauryn Larmore continued to stand out, winning her race by about two seconds.
“I think it’s (the improvement) a combination of the group getting healthy, having processed some things and getting a little more sleep, as well as having a softer course to run on,” said Coach Kevin Gartman.
“This was the first golf course of the year for us, and while I’m not trying to run golf courses all year, without any rain for the last few months, having the well-maintained, softer ground was great for runners,” he said.
“We had a little more bounce in this meet, combined with the cooler temperatures,” Gartman said.
“We are hoping to get Claire Erselius back and running come October,” he said. “She was slated to be our #2 runner this year and not having her in our scoring isn’t ideal, but the girls are doing a nice job of filling in spots,” Gartman said.
“On the boys side, we had Carter (McKee) back and healthy for the first time all year. He was closest with Chloe and has taken it hard. For him to come out of nowhere and run a 19-flat is big.”
Gartman said, “the boys are pulling through behind him and we’re starting to make things exciting. Lynnville-Sully’s top runner placed about 60 spots lower than he normally would have, but even then, we’re starting to close that grp and at smaller meets it’ll be even closer,” the coach said.
“We have lots of work ahead, but the kids are putting in the effort and time,” Gartman said. “I’m looking forward to see where things go!”
Pleasantville Invite XC
Sept. 11, 2023
Varsity boys
Montezuma was 7th out of 14 scoring teams.
Braves places and times – 29, Carter McKee, 19:00. 30, Jayden Ross, 19:03. 39, Jack Erselius, 19:20. 53, Kohen Holland, 19:56. 55, Jusiah Wetering, 20:06. 69, Linkyn Bru, 20:44. 80, Bryson Stockman, 21:34. 84, Cael Cheney, 22:02. There were 120 total runners.
Varsity girls
Montezuma was 7th out of 11 scoring teams.
Bravette places and times – 14, Ellen Cook, 21:03. 42, Vivian Cook, 23:34. 46, Lydia Singleton, 23:56. 52, Alivia Cline, 24:15. 60, Ashlee Eilander, 25:00. 70, Camryn Brennan, 26:05. 72, Makenna Johannes, 26:11. 77, Haileah Eichenberger, 26:51. 102, Faith Ferry, 35:14. There were 103 runners.
Junior high boys
Montezuma – no team score
Braves places and times – 11) Cade Lowry, 10:48. 16, Dayton Reif, 10:57. 49, Luke Benson, 14:08. 59, Tristan Savant, 15:58. There were 68 runners.
Junior high girls
Montezuma – no team score
Bravette places and times – 1, Lauryn Larmore, 10:39. 17, Sophia Semprini, 12:43. 19, Alexa Rose, 12:47. There were 48 runners.