IOWA CITY – There will be no Montezuma competitors at the state cross country meet this year.
“It’s sad to be done,” said Coach Kevin Gartman. “This is a tight-knit family. We have lots to be proud of. We end with our helds held high.”
The Braves and Bravettes ran well in the state qualifier meet on Thursday, Oct. 20.
But so did some state-rated teams.
The girls placed fourth, just four points back from third. They needed to be first or second in order to make it to state as a group.
The boys were sixth.
The top 10 individuals in each race also qualified.
Claire Erselius led the Bravettes at 13th place.
Carter McKee topped the Braves at 19th.
“It was a heck of a last senior race from both MJ (Madison Johannes) and Mia (Boulton),” Gartman said.
“A shout-out to Lydia (Singleton) for her season-best time on the big stage!” said the coach.
“The boys had some significant (time) cuts from last month’s race on the same course!” Gartman said.“A special shout-out to seniors Gavin Strong and Colton Benson for finishing the season strong,” said the coach.
“We had tough competition tonight and the team battled hard.”
State XC Qualifier
at Kickers Soccer Complex, Iowa City
Girls – 1, Hudson 28. 2, Iowa City Regina 51 3, Danville 88. 4, Montezuma 92. 5, Bellevue 119. 6, Columbus 151. (There were 71 runners.
Bravettes – 13, Claire Erselius, 22:53.0. 18, Madison Johannes, 23:22.9. 24, Mia Boulton, 24:09.1. 29, Lydia Singleton, 24:31.3. 30, Ellen Cook, 24:50.1. 44, Ashlee Eilander, 25:56.5. 50, Alivia Cline 26:34.9.
Boys – 1, Iowa City Regina, 30. 2 Bellevue 60. 3, Hudson 90. 4, Columbus 104. 5, Winfield-Mt. Union 127. 6, Montezuma 145. 7, WACO 188. 8, Durant 223. 9, Wapello 261. 10, Highland 381. (There were 83 runners).
Braves – 19, Carter McKee, 19:21.5. 29, Jayden Ross, 19:49.7. 34, Gavin Strong, 20:09.1. 43, Colton Benson, 20:56.6. 44, Jack Erselius, 20:57.5. 56, Kohen Holland, 21:49.4. 58, Bryson Stockman, 22:00.4.
Photos by Mia Boulton and Marie Boulton
