Wildcat Cross Country Team Has Fine Showing At Rocket Invitational
Photos courtesy of Christie Datko – Above: Varsity Girls displaying their 2025 Rocket Invitational 2nd place plaque
(By Coach Nicole Oakes)
Saturday morning (August 30th) had the perfect cool weather that set the stage for the Central Clarion cross country team as they got ready for a day of success at the Rocket Invitational in Titusville.
The varsity girls’ team posted a very strong start to the season, racing to a second-place team finish – just two points shy of first-place Mercer – while topping 15 other schools.
Leading the charge were freshman standout Hannah Love and senior Adisen Jackson, who both shattered the 20-minute barrier. Love crossed the line in 19:43 to place 7th overall, with Jackson on her heels in 19:47 for 8th place. Their front-running efforts earned them well-deserved individual medals.
Junior Julianna Schwabenbauer added another medal to the Wildcats’ tally, placing 23rd with a strong time of 21:14. Eliza Datko, finished 28th with a solid 21:25. She was closely followed by Reise Jackson, who finished 34th in 21:41, Kaley Miliron, who rounded out the scoring in 48th place with a time of 22:21 and Livia McGinley in 56th at 22:44 proving the depth that the Wildcat’s have this year as they make through the season with their eyes set on Hershey.
The girls ran strong from start to finish and coming within two points of that top spot is really encouraging as we embark on the season.
The Central Clarion boys, finishing fourth overall with 165 points, trailing only Grove City (70), Meadville (130), and General McLane (146).
Senior Hayden Weber led the Wildcats with an impressive run, clocking 17:09 to secure 13th place overall. Teammate Josh Turner was not far behind, taking 22nd in 17:20, while Jonas Wilshire (27th, 17:29) and junior Drake Edmonds (28th, 17:31) packed tightly together to strengthen the team score.
Sophomore Ryan Rinker rounded out the varsity five in 78th with a time of 18:53. Also running on the Varsity team for the wildcats included Freshman Griffin Edmonds 20:23, Junior Tony Bartley 20:45, sophmre Kaleb Walker 21:12, Senior Cam Coleman 22:41 and Freshman Cael Jackson 26:02
What makes the boys’ performance even more notable is that only half of the varsity roster raced on Saturday. With multiple options and constant competition for the top seven spots, the Wildcats’ lineup is far from set—giving the team depth, flexibility, and confidence as the season progresses.
The group has its eyes set on big goals, and their ability to push one another in practice is setting the tone for championship-caliber racing ahead.
The junior high girls also turned in a strong team effort, finishing fourth out of 10 teams. Three Wildcats came home with medals: Lauren Emings placed 15th, Lila Breniman was 21st, and Sutton Shoup finished 23rd.
While the junior high boys did not have enough runners to score as a team, the group gained valuable big-meet experience on the Titusville course.
(Fine Showing, Wildcats!!!! Thanks to Coach Oakes and to Christie Datko for her photos!!)
LINK FOR COMPLETE ROCKET INVITATIONAL RESULTS
https://runhigh.com/2025RESULTS/R083025BA.html