PLEASANTVILLE – Things were looking good for the Montezuma cross country runners at the Pleasantville Invitational on Monday, Sept. 12.
“We had some great first meet performances from our junior high runners,” said Coach Kevin Gartman.
“We had excellent returns from injuries at the high school level,” said the coach.
“And we got some all-around tremendous work by our high school teams,” he added.
The varsity girls finished fourth out of 12 scoring teams, “behind what I predict will be three top-15 teams in this week’s rankings,” said Gartman.
The varsity boys placed third, “not far back from second,” Gartman said. “We had one of the strongest first-through-seventh finishes a boys group has had in our program as far back as my records show,” said the coach.
On the day, seven Montezuma athletes earned medals.
Those included Claire Erselius and Ellen Cook in varsity girls; Gavin Strong in varsity boys; Camryn Brennan and Makenna Johannes in junior varsity girls; Kohen Holland in junior varsity boys, and Lauryn Larmore in middle school girls.
“While neither program (boys or girls) has met their own expectations for themselves yet, we’re trending in the right direction and there’ a lot to be excited about for mid-September!” Gartman said.
“And it was great to get the full team lineup back tonight!” Gartman said.
Varsity girls Alivia Cline and Ellen Cook were able to finish a race for the first time this season. Both have been battling injuries.
UP NEXT – Montezuma is at the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Invite on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Pleasantville XC Invitational
Girls high school race – Montezuma placed 4th of 12 scoring schools. There were 103 runners.
Bravette overall finishes – 9, Claire Erselius, 21:56.81. 14, Ellen Cook, 22:29.90. 16, Madison Johannes, 22:37.20. 25, Mia Boulton, 23:23.56. 46, Lydia Singleton, 25:03.88. 52, Alivia Cline, 25:17.53. 67, Ashlee Eilander, 25:56.78. 68, (4th JV) – Camryn Brennan, 26:40.82. 70, (5th JV) – Makenna Johannes, 26:58.68. 80, Haileah Eichenberger, 28:01.30. 101, Faith Ferry, 37.22.07.
Boys high school race – Montezuma placed 3r of 14 scoring teams. There were 112 runners.
Braves overall finishes – 14, Gavin Strong, 18:28.23. 23, Carter McKee, 19:00.48. 30, Jack Erselius, 19:47.84. 36, Jayden Ross, 19:47.84. 54, Bryson Stockman, 20:55.98. 79, Jusiah Wetering, 22:22.45. 80, (4th JV), Kohen Holland, 22:24.61.
Middle school girls – There were 61 runners.
Bravette finishes – 5, Lauryn Larmore, 11:38.49. 28, Vivian Cook, 13:52.88. 31, Sophia Semprini, 14:28.26. 52, Olivia Burnett, 17:33.72.
Middle school boys – There were 62 runners.
Braves finish – 19, Linkyn Bru, 12:19.81.
