Opening Of Bobcat XC Course At Clarion Co. Park Produces Some Fast Times And District Preparations! (10/11/13)

(By Coach Keith Murtha)

The final dual meet of the year found Clarion, C-L and Moniteau running on a redesigned course at Clarion County park which has not been used in a decade.

We were thrilled to see to so many people, students, faculty, parents come out to support and enjoy a great day at the races. The varsity boys did not disappoint the crowd running to victory over Moniteau by a core of 20-36.

(Photo by Rachel Saver)

(Photo by Rachel Saver)

Liam Raehsler lead all runners setting a course record in 18:04. He was followed by Adam Bettwy in 2nd place 19:44, Jimmy Smathers 4th, 20:07, up and comer Nadir Lynch 6th in 20:57 followed closely by Crowe Thiem in 7th 20:59.

This is what we had talked about pack running and they executed well on a difficult course! I couldn’t be more pleased.

Plenty of Excitement on the girls side too with Hannah Frakes and Sam Hall sprinting to a photo finish for first place.

Clarion was defeated by Moniteau 19-40 but not without running some great times on one of the toughest courses around and I am very proud of them for that.

(Photo by Rachel Saver) Liam Raeshler

(Photo by Rachel Saver)
Liam Raeshler

Hannah Frakes was second in 23:03, supported by Shamecka Dittman, who really stepped it up today, in 8th 28:04, Grace Kroh 9th 28:52, Nikki Warren 28:59 and Lili Frakes 30:06.

C-L Standout Abby Steele set the course record and was the overall winner in a time of 21:56.

When we designed this course the idea was to replicate a course like the district course in Ridgway, give us a true home course and a place to train and we couldn’t be happier!

On the Jr. High side of things, 7th grader, Wendy Beveridge was your girls champ on the 1.55 mile course setting a course record in 11:40. The Jr. High Boys won their race and were paced by Marshall Powers!

Clarion now enters their championship season heading the KSAC race Thurs 10/17 at Cranberry and District 9 Championships Saturday 10/26 at Ridgway.

(Thanks to Coach Murtha for this article. Great Job Cats!!!!)