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Clarion Cross Country Team Tops Keystone (09/27/17)

(By Christie Datk0)

The sport of cross country occurs in the fall for a reason.  One of those reasons is the cooler weather fall brings, which is ideal for a runner.  However, it wasn’t cool by any means on Tuesday, September 26th, when Clarion traveled to Keystone to run the Keystone course for the very first time in school history.  The Bobcats learned after walking the course that the heat wouldn’t be all they had to worry about.  They also had to worry about this extremely challenging course they were about to face.

(Photos by Christie Datko) Katie Craig running to a first place finish.

Luckily, all the hard work the Bobcats put into this season paid off as Clarion claimed all four individual champions.  Gavin Hoover (12:32) and Bella Scott (14:06) led the junior high, while Nathaniel Lerch (19:30) and Katie Craig (26:06) won the varsity races.  The varsity boys’ were able to stay undefeated by scoring 19 points to Keystone’s 41.  Dawson Steele was the first Panther to cross the line at 20:10. Clarion Limestone’s Andrew Forest finished second overall with a time of 19:56.  The next five places were won by the Clarion pack of Dan Ketner, Nick Schill, Frank Weber, Don Cunningham and Noah Schill.

In the varsity girls’ race, Keystone’s Carla Schoeppner and Trinity Thompson followed Craig across the line with times of 26:47 and 27:09 respectively.  Hannah Rittenhouse (28:32) was the top finisher for the Lions.

Nick Schill running to a 5th place finish!

Clarion-Limestone’s, Cody Whitling held on for a second place finish (13:13) and Quincy Hannold of Keystone finished third at 13:51 in the junior high boys’ race.  Neither Limestone or Keystone had enough runners to score as teams.

After an impressive race by Scott, the only interruption of Keystone runners came from Emilee Parkes(4th overall) who followed behind Clarion’s Joyce Kim (3rd overall).  Abi Frederick, Anna Gribik, Grace Schmader, Grace Adams and Adia Needham combined to shut out all other runners helping claim an 18-45 victory.  Jessica McCracken of Clarion-Limestone finished second overall.  Clarion-Limestone did not have enough runners to score as a team.

Phillip Bartley almost to cross the finish line!

Coach Keith Murtha couldn’t be happier about his team’s success.  According to Murtha, the Keystone course is the most challenging course his team has faced and he is proud they were able to rise above the course and the extreme heat and humidity.

(Thanks to Christie Datko for this article and photos. Great work, Bobcats!!!!)