Bobcat Harriers Sweep Lions, Gremlins In Season Opener (09/10/17)

(By Coach Keith Murtha)

The 2017 edition of the Clarion Area Cross Country team looks a little different this year.  Perennial state qualifier, Adam Bettwy is now running for Westminster College, Same for Dual sport athlete Forest Mills, another Westminster Titan and Chelsea Mason completed her first college meet for the Chatham Cougars.  Jimmy Smathers has moved on to Clarion University to pursue elementary education and Marshall Powers is concentrating on soccer!

(Photos provided by Clarion Area Cross Country) 2017 Clarion Area Cross Country:

All That didn’t stop the Bobcats from have a great first meet, led by sophomore captain, Nathaniel Lerch, who tied a course record in 17:38, set by Nick Schmader (North Clarion) in 2010.  The strength of the Bobcats is the pack, Don Cunningham, Daniel Ketner Nick & Noah Schill, Jacob Smith Frank Weber& Nate Datko took to first eight places against Karns City for the perfect score of 15-50. In the running against Clarion-Limestone, Andrew Forest broke up the pack finishing second overall!

There was no team scoring in the girls varsity meet but showdown of 3 returning State Qualifiers Katie Craig for Clarion, Rebecca Pennington Of KC and Hannah Rittenhouse of C-L. Pennington outpaced all taking 1st overall in 20:29 in a well run race.

Nathaniel Lerch claims a victory and ties a course record

The Bobcats dominated the junior high races, with Gavin Hoover of Clarion and Cody Whitling Of C-L both setting a course record.  Bella Scott of Clarion was the over winner of the girls jr. high race and Joyce Kim led a pack of 6 bobcats taking places 4-9 to cement the win!

A strong first outing for sure.

(Thanks to Coach Murtha for this article. Good job, Cats!!!!

Gavin Hoover sets a Junior High course record