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Runners From Five Schools Compete In Coaches 5K Held At Clarion County Park (Posted 10/18/20)

(Images by Brett Gearhart) Above: 2020 Coaches 5K Girls Medalists – (Front L-R) Rachel Bauer, Jenna Blauser, Brynn Seigel, Bella Scott, Nicole Fair. (Back L-R) Jordyn Hendrickson, Kayla Aaron, Emma Buckley, Katie Bauer, Kaylee Castner.

Clarion County Park was the scene of the Coaches 5K on Saturday, October 17th), which attracted thirty runners representing cross country programs from five schools, Clarion Area, North Clarion, Clarion-Limestone, Union and Moniteau.

In late August, the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference decided to cancel the traditional KSAC Invitational, due to Covid19 concerns. But as the season went on the coaches decided to host a smaller event to help the runners prepare for the championship season, the Coaches 5K. The race is not affiliated with/or sponsored by the KSAC.

2020 Coaches 5K Boys Medalists – (Front L-R) Gavin Hoover, Kaine McFarland, Braden Rankin, Aiden Thomas, Kaegan. (Back L-R) Payton Johnston, Jack Craig, Doug Huffman, Aaron Lencer,Philip Bartley.

The Top 10 runners in both the Boys’ and Girls’ races medaled.

North Clarion’s Rachel Bauer won the Girls Varsity 5K with a time of 20:48, which is a top time on the challenging 3.1 mile course at Clarion County Park.

Rounding out the Girls Top 10 were:

Jenna Blauser – Moniteau, second (22:03); Brynn Seigel – North Clarion, third (22:13); Bella Scott – Clarion Area, fourth (22:30); Nicole Fair – North Clarion, fifth (22:49); Jordyn Hendrickson – North Clarion, sixth (22:55); Kayla Aaron – North Clarion, seventh (23:19); Emma Buckley – North Clarion, eighth (24:35); Katie Bauer – North Clarion, ninth (25:16); and Kaylee Castner – North Clarion, tenth (25:45).

Others competing in the Girls’ Race were: Morgan McNaughton and Madison Aaron from Clarion-Limestone.

Clarion Area’s Gavin Hoover won the Boys’ Championship with a time of 18:01.5.

Rounding out the Boys Top 10 were:

Kaine McFarland – North Clarion, second (18:44.6); Braden Rankin – Clarion-Limestone, third (18:58.3); Aiden Thomas – North Clarion, fourth (19:44.2); Kaegan Phillips – Clarion Area, fifth 19:47.8); Payton Johnston – Union, sixth (19:53.3); Jack Craig – Clarion-Limestone, seventh (20:00.0); Doug Huffman – Union, eighth (20:02.2); Aaron Lencer – North Clarion, ninth (20:08.2); and Philip Bartley – Clarion Area, tenth (20:37.8).

Others competing in the Boys Race were:

Colton Keihl and Cody Whitling from Clarion-Limestone; Braden Custer, Mason Shaftic and Owen Shafer from North Clarion, Milton McElravy from Clarion; and Brian Ferringer and Danny Doovema from Union.

Gavin Hoover receives his 1st place place medal Clarion assistant coach Rosary Pennington

Clarion Coach Murtha had this to say about his runners, “Gavin had a strong performance today and continues to be very consistent. Kaegan is on the rebound and really ran his heart out today. Philip has really been the surprise of the season with his rapid and consistent improvement all season long! Milt continues to play an important role.

“For the ladies, Bella battled some of best in the district today, it was a good test!

“It was a good day at the office”

Bella Scott receives her medal from Clarion assistant coach Rosary Pennington

Coach Murtha also shared, “I want to thank to thank the Clarion Cross Country Boosters for making today’s Coaches 5K possible! It was a great event on a beautiful day with some great performances by our area athletes headed into championship season. A special shout out to Jody Scott, Christie and Daryl Datko, Michelle Adams and Erin Hepfl!

“The Booster club really stepped as the sponsor as well as working the finish line using a new timing system called ‘RunnerCard’.”

Philip Bartley receives congratulations from the Clarion coaches.

(Thanks to Coach Murtha for this article and to Brett Gearhart for his images. CONGRATULATIONS RUNNERS!!!!)