Boys and Girls Cross Country in Top 10 at GISA State Championships

Athletics

10/30/2018

The boys and girls cross country teams concluded their 2018 season on Saturday by proving that they are among the best in the state.

The boys finished the race in 6th place, the highest team finish for Westminster since 2011. The girls also broke into the top 10 placing 8th, a mere 2 points away from 6th. Both teams improved their placement from 2017 where the boys placed 12th and girls 9th.?

As he has most of the season, Cooper Keuroglian (19:10) led the boy?s team by finishing in 23rd place. Following closely behind him was the tight wildcat pack of Will Puckett (20:11/36th), Connor Lutz (20:17/37th), Thomas Paulk (20:18/38th) and Frank Yu (20:23/41st). Eli Scott (21:11/53rd) and Brad Joiner (21:34/57th) both ran strong to finish up the season for the wildcats.?

On the girl?s side, Senior Meaghan Rich (24:37.56) ran almost 1 minute faster than her personal best time to be outkicked only by teammate and All State 100m sprinter Lauren Eaddy (24.37.50). Both girls were in the top-50, finishing in 46th and 47th place. The remaining Wildcats were not far behind, with Senior Caroline Campbell (25:13/52nd), Claire Peacock (25:17/53rd) and Reagan Lutz (25:20/54th) rounding out the scoring positions. Caroline Weaver (26:59/64th) dropped almost 1 minute off of her best time while Julie Andrews (27:10) fought hard for 65th place.?

Overall, this year was a learning experience for each team as they adjusted to a new coach and new types of training.? Both sides realized the importance of each place and point at the state meet, as it decided the difference between 6th and 5th place for the boys and 8th and 6th place for the girls. They are now focusing on improving their individual performances through year-round endurance training and are looking forward to the 2019 season.?

?I am excited about next year. The boy?s side is young and from what I have seen this year will continue to improve greatly in the years to come.? Said Varsity Coach Janelle Branch. ?We will greatly miss our seniors on the girl?s team, but I am looking forward to seeing the younger athletes step into leadership roles and guide our incoming freshman through what it means to be on this team.???

The Wildcats will lose four graduating seniors (Meaghan Rich, Caroline Campbell, Sarah Margaret Farr, and Kiki Zhao) while the boy?s team is not losing anyone and will continue to work together to build on this year?s huge improvements. All incoming freshmen are encouraged to join the 2019 squad regardless of current running times or abilities. Contact Coach Branch or Coach Bryan for more information.?