Runners have strong showing at EBF

Bryson Stockman, left, was one of three Braves turning in career-best times at the EBF meet. (Marie Boulton photos).

EDDYVILLE – Coach Kevin Gartman called it “a solid team finish” as the 15th-ranked (Class 1A) Bravettes cross country team placed fourth at the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

The Bravettes trailed #3 Pekin, #10 (in Class 2A) Albia, and were just four points behind #14 Central Decatur.

Ellen Cook (10th), Alivia Cline (11th) and Mia Boulton (19th) all ran to top-20 finishes.

In the boys varsity race, “we competed well,” Gartman said, “with Colton Benson, Bryson Stockman and Jusiah Wetering all turning in career-best times.”

Seventh grader Vivian Cook and eighth grader Claire Erselius are stride for stride down a straightaway at the EBF meet.

The boys continue to tighten the spread from runners 1-5 as we enter the second half of the season,” Gartman said. “That’s great work by them.”

Carter McKee earned a 20th-place finish for the Braves.

Montezuma’s girls were second as a team in junior varsity competition.

Ashlee Eilander was 9th, Makenna Johannes was 12th, Camryn Brennan placed 14th and Hayley Burnett placed 15th. Burnett and Faith Ferry ran career-best times, the coach said.

In the junior high races, twins Luke and Claire Erselius placed fifth in their respective races.

Vivian Cook was sixth in her competition.