News Summary

The Meeker Cowboys cross country team began their season with a commendable performance at the Warrior Invitational. With improvements seen across the board, athletes showcased their dedication and teamwork. Sophomore Ryan Hanberg led the boys’ varsity team, while junior varsity and girls’ teams also performed admirably. Coach Casey is focused on building endurance as they prepare for upcoming challenges in Leadville. The team’s goal is to leverage each race for growth and improvement this season.

Meeker Cowboys Cross Country Team Kicks Off Season with a Bang!

The small yet spirited town of Meeker is buzzing with excitement as the Cowboys cross country team dusts off its running shoes for a brand-new season. This past weekend, athletes from Meeker joined forces to compete at the annual Warrior Invitational held at the stunning Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction, hosted by Central High School. The atmosphere was electric as runners from various schools gathered for a day filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and the thrill of racing.

Strong Start for the Varsity Boys

The boys’ varsity race saw four dedicated Meeker runners ready to tackle the 5K course. Head Coach Marty Casey couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as every single varsity runner improved their times from last year, marking a positive start for this season’s challenges.

Sophomore Ryan Hanberg led the charge for the Cowboys, finishing strong in 36th place with a commendable time of 19:36. It was a personal record for Hanberg, a feat that surely has him feeling pumped for the races ahead. Close behind were other team members showcasing their hard work:

  • Bradley Conrado: 43rd place with a time of 20:04
  • Cameron Hanberg: 45th place at 20:20
  • Ashton Tapia: 64th place, completing the race in 21:59

The Junior Varsity Team Shines

On the junior varsity side, the boys took on a slightly shorter course of 2.5K, and they didn’t disappoint. The team displayed resilience and determination as they raced against their peers:

  • Landon Damitz: 15th place with a time of 10:20
  • Jackson Steele: 25th place at 11:19
  • Remy Broussard: 41st place, finishing at 13:49
  • Asa Scofield: 42nd place with a time of 14:22
  • Lucas Robinson: 44th place in 15:34

With each step, the junior varsity runners are learning the ropes and gaining valuable experience that will pay off in future races.

Girls’ Performance Highlights

Switching gears to the girls’ competition, senior Haylee Steele represented the Meeker Cowboys proudly, finishing 15th in the junior varsity girls division with a solid time of 13:35 on the same 2.5K course. Her performance exemplified the hard work and perseverance the team is bringing into this season.

Looking Ahead

With the dust settling from the Warrior Invitational, Coach Casey has his sights firmly set on building endurance and confidence as the team prepares for their next challenge. They are gearing up for a race in the beautiful yet demanding terrain of Leadville, where the athletes will contend with high altitude and steep hills. The coach emphasizes the significance of monitoring breathing during this race, as the tough course will test their limits. It’s all part of the game in Colorado, where courses are often described as nothing short of epic!

The Cowboys’ goal for this season is to keep building on their strong start and turn each race into an opportunity for growth. As they move forward, gain experiences, and refine their skills, the Meeker Cowboys cross country team is set to make a mark this season, one race at a time!

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