Central Clarion Wildcats Cross Country Has First Hosts First Meet In Team History

Photos by Diane Lutz (Above) 2024 Wildcats Varsity prior to first ever meet

The newly formed Central Clarion Wildcats Cross Country Team, a co-op between Clarion-Limestone and Clarion Area competed for the first time in team history as they hosted the North Clarion Wolves at C-L, on Wednesday, August 28th.

The Wildcats won the Varsity boys’ race 19-40, with Jonas Wilshire leading the way with a first place finish in 17:49. The Wildcats captured the next two places also, with Hayden Weber in second and Josh turner in third. Other Central Clarion runners in the top 10 were: Drake Edmonds (6th), Logan Powell (7th) and Paul Craig (8th).

North Clarion’s top runner was Gabriel Fair who finished in fourth. Other Wolves with placing in the top 10 were: Jackson Nicewonger (5th), Dane Sliker (9th) and Dean Sliker (10th).

The Wildcats bested the Wolves 20-14, in the Varsity girls’ race, but NC didn’t have enough runners to qualify as a team.

The Wolves’ Abby Hastings led all runners with a 21:25.

Central Clarion’s Eliza Datko finished second with a time of 21:42. The Wildcats also captured five of the next six spots: Julianna Schwabenbauer (3rd), Adisen Jackson (4th), Reese Jackson (5th), Olivia Radaker (6th) and Livia McGinley (8th).

Other top ten finishers for North Clarion included: Evelyn Carroll (7th) and Adeline Best (10th).

Central Clarion won the Junior High girls’ race 18-40, with Hannah Love capturing first place in 12:59.

Other top 10 finishers for the Wildcats included: Bryn Anderson (2nd), Tenley Kiskadden (4th), Lauren Emings (5th), Maya Coradi (6th) and Samantha Lewis (9th).

Top 10 finishers for North Clarion included: Natalie Cyphert (3rd), Haizly Cox (7th), Morgan Bauer (8th) and Annika Beck (10th).

North Clarion was victorious in a close Boys Junior High boys’ match, 26-30, with Ethan Hastings finishing first in 10:22. Other top 10 finishers for North Clarion included: Blace Easlon (2nd), Teagon Ochs (5th) and Jacob Cyphert (7th).

The Wildcats were led by Jackson Baker who finished 3rd, with a time of 11:39. Other top 10 finishers for Central Clarion included: Griffin Edmonds (4th), Noah Frederick (6th), Liam Moore (8th) Blaise Fleisher (9th) and Tanner Love (10th).

Central Clarion Head Coach Nicole Oaks was very pleased with the Wildcats’ performance. “On the Varsity side, the North Clarion girls did not have enough runners to qualify as a team so that result was a no contest. North Clarion’s Abby Hastings came out strong leading the girls race, but Eliza Datko and Julianna Schwabenbauer came in the 2 and 3 spots and had a great first race of the season.

“The Varsity boys won over NC. Jonas and Hayden were strong leaders throughout the race while our CC 3,4,5 runners shuffled throughout the race. The depth of talent on the boys team will be a strength for us this season

“In the Junior High race NC’s Ethan Hastings was untouchable, and had a great race ultimately leading his NC team to a narrow win over Central Clarion. Last year, Griffin Edmonds consistently lead C-L’s Junior High team, and this year Jackson Baker is joining him in the front of our CC pack.

“For the Junior High girls, Hannah Love blew us all away tonight l, we are excited to see where this season takes her. We knew Brynn Anderson would come in strong, as a recreational trail runner she has a stronger base than many of our varsity kids, I think this is just the beginning of what we will see from her.”

(Way to start your first ever season Wildcats and great running by both schools!!!! Thanks to Coach Oaks for info and quotes and to Diane Lutz for her photos!!)