Runners compete well in their home meet

Lydia Singleton, left, competes in the Montezuma Invitational. (Marie Boulton photo).

SEARSBORO – Montezuma’s cross country team broke in a new course – Big Springs Shooting Complex – with a solid performance in the Montezuma Invitational on Thursday, Oct. 7.

The Bravettes had six medalists (top 20 finish) in the girls’ meet. They scored 38 points to finish second – by two – to Collins-Maxwell.

The Bravettes are the 17th-rated Class 1A team this week. Collins-Maxwell is rated 20th.

Ellen Cook finished second out of 41 runners from a total of 10 teams. Other medalists: Alivia Cline (4), Madison Johannes (9), Haley Van Der Hart (11), Mia Boulton (12) and Lydia Singleton (17).

The varsity boys were fifth out of seven full teams, and 12 teams total. There were 70 runners in their meet.

Jayden Ross earned a medal with his 19th-place finish.

In the middle school races, Claire Erselius was fourth out of 46 female runners, and Luke Erselius placed seventh out of 31 boys. Complete Montezuma results are below.

Coach Kevin Gartman said nine runners posted new career bests. They included Ellen Cook, by 19 seconds; Jayden Ross, by 3; Bryson Stockman, by 20; Kohen Holland, by 43; Madison Johannes, by 7; Haley Van Der Hart, by 7; Lydia Singleton, by 13; Makenna Johannes, by 45; and Jack Erselius, by 22.

Jusiah Wetering competes for the Braves at Big Springs.

Gartman thanked volunteers and the staff at Big Springs, “for your partnership in creating our new cross county course. We were so excited to run there!” he said.

MHS TO HOST SICL MEET – That will be this coming Tuesday, Oct. 12, also at Big Springs.

Varsity Girls

Montezuma places, times – 2, Ellen Cook, 22:10. 4, Alivia Cline, 22:58. 9, Madison Johannes, 23:36. 11, Haley Van Der Hart, 24:14. 12, Mia Boulton, 24:15. 17, Lydia Singleton 24:42. 22, Alexa Weber. 24, Beka Teumer, 26:33. 26, Makenna Johannes, 26:37. 31, Ashlee Eilander, 29:08. 33, Hayley Burnett, 29:45. 37, Linnea Gusic, 35:07. 39, Faith Ferry, 37:00.

Varsity Boys

Montezuma places, times – 19, Jayden Ross, 20:18. 21, Carter McKee, 20:25. 32, Jack Erselius, 21:41. 35, Colton Benson, 22:08, 36, Bryson Stockman 22:09. 52, Jusiah Wetering, 24:07. 57, Kohen Holland, 24:54.

Middle School Girls

Montezuma places, times – 4, Claire Erselius, 14:03. 11, Vivian Cook, 15:10.

Middle School Boys

Montezuma places, times – 7, Luke Erselius, 13:01. 21, Linkyn Bru, 14:38. 29, Carson Van Der Hart, 19:44.