Nick Schill, Bobcats Cross Country Team Dominate At St. Joseph’s Liberty 5K (07/09/18)

(By Coach Keith Murtha)

(All photos by Tammy Lerch) The Bobcats had a strong showing at the Liberty 5K

As part of their summer training a number of the Clarion cross country team laced up their racing shoes Saturday in Lucinda for the Liberty 5K hosted by St. Joseph’s Church and School.

Senior Nick Schill was the overall winner in a time of 18:45. He narrowly defeated former Karns City and Clarion University All-Star and current Union cross country Coach Ean King.

“The Pack” as they are known lead by Noah Schill who won his age group in a time of 19.26 and accompanied by Don Cunningham, Nate Datko and Frankie Weber took the next 4 places.

Bobcat medalists

Alex Cussins also ran a solid race returning from injury the past two seasons. Bobcat Coach Tammy Lerch was second overall and won her age group.

But perhaps the biggest bright spot for the Bobcats was up and comer Gabriella Fleming, who set her second personal record this summer, and was second in her age group in a time of 23:25 and defeated C-L’s Hannah Rittenhouse.

Several rookie Bobcats got their first longer racing experience including Raven, Blaise and Mercedes Cunningham and Anna Hoover.

Mercedes Cunningham thinks this racing stuff is fun!

The Bobcats continue summer runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6-8 PM, meeting in the circle at Clarion Area High School. All are welcome to join, whether you want to check out the team, get in shape (for another sport or in general)!

(Thanks to Coach Murtha for this article and to Tammy Lerch for the photos.  Congratulations Cats!!!!)

Anna Hoover waves to her adoring fans.

Gabreilla Fleming, Don Cunningham and Noah Schill pace the pack.