Submitted by Kayla Ware
On September 16th ,2023, Calhoun County’s middle/high school Cross Country teams competed at the “No Excuses- Braxton Invitational” at Holly Gray Park. These athletes started the season strong and continue to prove their time and effort by continuously improving their times and placings. At this particular meet, 7th grader Carissa Sands brought home the team’s first medal of the season!
Carissa Sands is a returning athlete to the cross-country team this year, as she competed last year as a 6th grader. This year she came prepared to win, and each meet her times seem to prove just that. Last year at this same race she placed 43rd with a time of 22:11. This year she placed 12th with a time of 17:38 securing her a medal. That is almost 5 minutes faster this year, which is a huge improvement!
Our other returning runner is Jackson Clawson. This year returning as a freshman, facing a longer more challenging course. However, this did not faze him. Jackson placed 19th with a time of 26:36, keeping an 8 minute 34 second mile pace.
Our new runners this year include 6th grader Brook Tingler, and 7th grader Zac Smith. Brook alsoplaced 19th with a time of 19:01. Just less than 2 minutes behind her teammate Carissa. While Zac took 23rd with a time of 17:23. The fastest of the middle school times, but he also had more competition during his race. There were 43 middle school boys in attendance, while there were 31 middle school girls in attendance.
These athletes conquered “Kill Hill” with ease and are eager for their home meet that will be taking place on September 30th,2023 at our very own Calhoun County Park, races starting at 9am. If anyone is interested in attending or volunteering, please feel free to contact head coach Kayla Ware. Email:kayla.ware@k12.wv.us, or feel free to send a message on Facebook. The kids continue to work hard this season and would love any and all support they can receive!
