Runners are off to a flying start

September 2, 2021 admin GIRLS TRACK 0

Jack Erselius and the boys teams are off the line at Williamsburg. (Marie Boulton photos).

WILLIAMSBURG – This could be the start of something big.

In the middle of a bunched pack of runners from schools of varying sizes were the Montezuma Bravettes and a talented ninth-grader, Ellen Cook.

The Class 1A Bravettes placed sixth in a field of 14 teams, beat a ranked Class 2A team, and a Class 3A team at the Raider Invitational on Tuesday evening, Aug. 31.

Leading them was the ninth grader, Ellen Cook, who medaled with a 14th place overall finish.

Ellen Cook, second from right, on the medals stand in her first varsity race, a multi-team invitational that included larger schools.

On the boys’ side, Montezuma’s returnees beat their best previous times on this course.

And, Montezuma competed in the JV girls race with a full team of seven runners.

“I’m proud of the teams (both varsity squads and JV girls) and how they competed tonight,” said Coach Kevin Gartman.

“We continue to see individual growth each time we get out and run,” the coach said.

“I look forward to more of the same on Saturday at Central.”

Oh, yes: It was a great night for running.

“This is the first time I’ve coached in this meet where the temperatures haven’t been in the mid- to upper 90s,” he said. “What a relief this was!”

UP NEXT – Montezuma competes in an invitational at Central College in Pella starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 4.

Madison Johannes and Alivia Cline compete at Williamsburg.

Raider Invitational
at Williamsburg

Varsity Girls
Montezuma placed 6th out of 14 teams.

14) Ellen Cook, 22:84.4. 25) Alivia Cline, 23:44.7. 30) Madison Johannes, 23:52.4. 42) Mia Boulton, 24:50.5. 52) Alexa Weber, 25:16.0. 55) Rebeka Teumer, 25:39.7. 57) Haley Van Der Hart, 25:41.7.

Varsity Boys
Montezuma placed 13th of 19 teams.

64) Carter McKee, 20:57.7. 75) Jayden Ross, 21:53.5. 79) Jack Erselius, 22:15.2. 84) Colton Benson, 22:35.0. 88) Bryson Stockman, 23:55.4. 92) Jusiah Wetering, 25:30.9. 100) Kohen Holland, 26:58.4.

Junior Varsity Girls
Montezuma placed 3rd out of 4 teams.

14) Lydia Singleton, 26:01.1. 31) Ashlee Eilander, 28:16.8. 35) Makenna Johannes, 28:14.3. 36) Camryn Brennan, 28:50.7. 42) Hayley Burnett, 30:16.3. 60) Linea Gusic, 34:50.0. 65) Faith Ferry, 37:39.4.