Cross Country update from Coach Lowe:
The West Platte Blue Jays started the 2019 cross country season off with a 2 mile run at the North Platte 2 Mile Invitational. It was a warm day but the Jays came out warm and ready to run with the boys team earning the overall team win over North Platte 42 points to 55 points and the girls finishing 2nd to St. Joe Christian by 3 points.
For the boys Phillip Pattison held off Lane Zembles of Mound City at the wire to win the boys race in a time of 11:29. Charlie Kinslow made a great showing in his first varsity run and ran with the leaders most of the race to finish in 3rd with a time of 11:54. Ryan Pattison ran excellent, taking a minute off his time from last year and finishing 9th overall in a time of 13:01. Sam (Hutch) Bartee ran his first HS CC race and finished in an excellent time of 13:19 and grabbed 16th place over all, only one spot out of the medals. Isaac Helmich was the Jays 5th runner and he sealed the victory when he crossed in 21st place with a time of 13:58. Hunter Sadell continued the fine day for the Blue Jays freshman as he finished 23rd in a time of 14:05, followed closely by Senior Coy Taylor and freshman Tristan Newkirk rounded out the team. Overall, Coach Lowe was pleased with the early season performance especially with the temperature and humidity levels.
For the girls, Sophia Rush led them with a 4th place finish in a time of 14:50. Alexsi Elmore placed 5th in a time of 14:54 and Isabella Clark finished 9th in 15:57. These are our top three girls and they ran quite well in the conditions.
Our 4th place runner comes all the way from Italy. Gaia Carugati, a junior foreign exchange student who joined the team ran a time of 16:43 good for 15th place and a medal in her first meet. Freshman Addison Rinehart was the teams 5th runner and she finished 19th in a time of 17:23 and sophomore Olivia Marquart ran a good race, taking a minute off of last years time to finish in 23rd place with a time of 17:47.
Our next race will be down at St. Michaels near Lees Summit this Saturday. Come cheer on the West Platte Cross Country team!
Congratulations Blue Jays!