Lions And Bobcats Face Off In Cross Country’s Version Of The “Backyard Brawl” At Clarion County Park

All images by Diane Lutz – Above: Varsity Start

(By Clarion Area Cross Country Coach Keith Murtha)

The harriers From Clarion-Limestone and Clarion Area got together for a meet on Wednesday, September 7th, with the Lions bringing a wealth of talent and numbers, capturing both junior meets. Reise Jackson was your overall winner in a time of 12.28 over the 1.75 mile course. The young Lady Lions were dominant, winning 15-44 over host Clarion. New comer Maddy Schill was the first finisher for Clarion in 13:45 and sixth overall.

On the boys side, Drake Edmonds from C-L was your overall winner in 11:05 followed by new comer Chris Kim, leading the Clarion team in 11:34. The Lions outdid the Bobcats 25-36.

The varsity meet turned out to be a thriller! C-L returns a strong boys squad, who finished third in District Nine last year, led by Logan Lutz, who was your overall winner over the challenging 5K course in 19:28.

Clarion brings a young crew of boys who found success in junior last year and are hoping to translate to the varsity level.

The meet did not disappoint! One point , several all races to the finish and a lean at the line were the difference. Hayden Weber was the top finisher for Clarion in 19:41, third overall.

It was the pack running of Josh and Caleb Turner, Nathan Frederick and Ben Lambert, who out leaned Colton Kiehl at the finish line in a true photo finish.

It was a fantastic meet all around and it was a good day to be a Bobcat!

Clara Couson of C-L led all varsity girls in 25:09, in a small field, with no team scoring.

(Great Work Lions and Bobcats!!!! Thanks to Coach Murtha for this article and Diane Lutz for her images!)