Squaring off against multiple teams from Utah at the John Thornton Invitational in Blanding on Sept. 26, several members of local cross country teams from Dolores, Mancos and Montezuma-Cortez high schools performed well.
Leading the way among local finishers were Dolores runners Philip Hufman and Brennan Hite, who finished fourth (18:41.80) and fifth (18:57.50), respectively, while competing against a solid field. Dolores’s third runner, Josh Petrow, crossed the line in 32nd place (22:38.00).
Also cracking the Top 10 was Montezuma-Cortez High School sophomore John Whyte, who placed eighth overall (19:51.50). Teammates Davian Robinson and Wes Atcitty finished 22nd (21:01.40) and 24th (21:34.20), respectively.
Rounding out M-CHS’s varsity finishers were Josh Hughes, who placed 39th (24:32.90), and Jadon Ellitt, who finished 40th (24:.50.10). M-CHS finished fifth out of five in the team standings. Monticello finished first as a team after placing four runners in the Top 10.
While the Mancos boys didn’t place runners in the Top 10, Edgar Hernandez raced well and finished 11th (20:01.40). Also crossing the varsity finish line for Mancos were Stephen Knezek, who finished 23rd (21:04.10), and James Ayers, who placed 33rd (22:50.50).
Because Mancos and Dolores had fewer than four runners, neither school qualified for the team standings.
Ranking as the top local team on the girls’ side, Montezuma-Cortez High School benefited from solid finishes by Ridley Dennison, who placed eighth (24:40.00), and Ayanna Silas, who placed 20th (26:39.00).
Also cracking the Top 25 for M-CHS were Siren Utrecht, who crossed the line in 21st (26:49.50), and Marina Bradley, who finished 23rd (27:35.20). Kalea Hunt finished 27th (28:27.90), and Trinity Meyers finished 29th (29:42.90) for M-CHS, which finished fourth out of five teams. San Juan High School finished first overall.
Although no Mancos runners competed in the varsity race, three Lady Jays performed well in the junior varsity race. Among them was Kaysi Thomas, who finished first (28:04.90), Aspen Bumgarner, who placed third (28:37.20), and Hakayla Snow, who finished fourth (28:49.90).
No Dolores girls competed.
