MS Cross Country – Off to a Great Start

Students working with a 3D printer.

The Grace Cougars JH Cross Country team is off and “running”! As of this weekend, we have competed in 2 meets.  On Saturday, Aug. 27th, we competed in the Kaufman Run with The Lions meet.  For many of our runners, this was their first meet.  In the girls division, we were paced by newcomer – Emma Goetz (8th). She finished in 1st place in a race with over 200 girls. Her sister, Casey Goetz (7th) finished 6th and Addison Mathews (8th) finished 18th.  Our girls team finished 8th out of 17 teams. Great start girls!!  Our boys team was led by two newcomers – Chris Alexander (8th) – he finished 6th and Dayne Edens (8th) finished 18th – again with a large field of over 200 runners.  The boys team finished in 9th place out of 15 teams.  

This past Saturday, September 10th – we traveled to Canton for the Canton Running Eagles Invitational. Each team and runner improved from the previous meet.  For the girls, the team finished 4th overall out of 11 teams.   Once again, Emma Goetz (8th) finished 1st overall out of 107 girls. She finished with a time of 11:49. She had the fastest time of ALL girls (HS and MS). Way to go Emma!!  Finishing 3rd was Addison Mathews (8th) – early season best time and in 5th was Casey Goetz (7th)- who PR’d this race. Also running for our girls team in order of finishing: Sophia Gilmore (6th); Kora Rucker (7th); Olive Brookshire (7th); Zoe Coates (6th); Audrey Kirby (7th); Hazel Finley (7th); McKenna Camp (6th); Adi Beverly (6th); Molly Cannon (7th); and Juliet Montier (6th).  Each of these girls PR’d.   For the boys team, we finished 10th overall.  Chris Alexander (8th) led the way. He finished 4th out of 113 runners. His time was a personal best 12:05.  Great job Chris!!   Also running for the Cougars this weekend: Christian Henry (8th); Gabriel Adams (7th); Dylan Small (8th); Sam Jenz (8th); Zayden Coates (8th); Truett Roseman (8th); Clive Johnson (7th); Carter Zimmerman (7th) and Ayden Serrato (8th). Each of these guys either PR’d or Season best.  

Our next meet will be in Longview next Saturday morning (Mike Darby Invitational).  The girls will run at 9:00am and the boys will run at 9:30am.  Go Cougars!!   #StrengthandHonor #Glory to God!