A Sweep And A Split for Jr. High Cross Country (09/20/15)

(By Christie Datko)

The Clarion Bobcat Jr. High Cross Country team started the 2015 season off on Tuesday, September 15, at the Clarion County Park. They faced Moniteau and Clarion-Limestone in dual meet action.

(Photo by Mark Bettwy) 2015 Clarion Junior High Cross Country Team: Front (L-R) Cole Stutzman, Morgan Kahle, Emma Spitz, Katie Hieman, Alex Cussins, Jenna Miller and Marilyn Lychnsky. Back (L-R) Nate Datko, Donnie Cunningham, Beau Verdill and Nathaniel Lerch.

The boy’s team was dominant, with a capital “D,” as they swept Moniteau and C-L 15-51. Six Bobcats finished in the top ten for the meet. Nathaniel Lerch, 2014 KSAC champ, continued his winning ways, as he had an outstanding performance, running to a 1st place finish with a time 10:45.

Nate Datko ran a tight race with C-L’s Austin Coull, but eventually came out on top finishing 2nd in the meet, with a time of 11:43. Donnie Cunningham also had a great day as he finished 4th, with a time of 12:08. Beau Verdill came in with a time of 12:31, earning him a 5th place finish. Alex Cussins followed with a 6th place finish, running 12:42. Bringing in an 8th place finish with a time of 14:17, was Cole Stutzman.

The girl’s team competed very well as they beat C-L 15-51, but lost to Moniteau 33-24. Five Bobcat girls finished in the top 10 for the meet. Emma Spitz and Jenna Miller led the Lady Bobcats, finishing 2nd and 3rd, with times of 13:40 and 13:42 respectively. Marilyn Lychnsky earned a 7th place finish, running 15:10. Morgan Kahle followed, running the course at 15:42 which was good for an 8th place finish. Katie Hileman finished at 10th place with a time of 18:48.

The future looks bright for these runners and with Keith Murtha and Bill Grove coaching them there is no doubt they will continue to be successful!

(Thanks to Mrs. Christie Datko for this article and to Mark Bettwy for the photo. Keep up the good work, CATS!!!!)