On Thursday, Sept 19th, the West Platte CC team took part in the annual Platte County Invitational. It was a sticky afternoon with even a quick thunderstorm thrown in, but the team persevered and had a solid day on the course.
Lexi Elmore led the ladies team with a 19th place finish in 23:01 just 3 seconds off her season-best. Bella Clark also medaled in the race and ran a season-best 24:05. Addison Rinehart and Olivia Marquart also ran varsity for the Jays and finished in well in a race that was a little slick and wet thanks to the storm.
The boys' team ran at the same time as the girls as the meet director was trying to get everything finished before the sun set. There were 19 full teams with several Class 4 schools sending their JV or C teams to compete. The boys finished 5th overall and were the top placing class 1 &2 school. Phillip Pattison continued his impressive start to the season finishing 8th overall in a time of 18:09. This was Phillips second-best time of the year on a very difficult course. Charlie Kinslow did him one better by finishing 10th overall but lowering his season-best and career PR by 7 seconds down to 18:18. Ryan Pattison again ran well and finished 46th in 20:19, followed by Hutch Bartee. Hutch continues to impress in his freshman season with a 58 place finish in a time of 20:40. Isaac Helmich battled calf issues to finish 5th for the Jays in 72 place with a time of 21:12. Hunter Sadell, another fine freshman ran 6th and Coy Taylor rounded out the boys' team.
The Blue Jays next meet is at Smithville on Tuesday, Sept 24th.