By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS Cross Country
The regular season finished off Thursday in Sidney, Nebraska for the North Platte Cross Country teams. I was very proud of how all of our runners competed. The course was what I would call a "true" cross country course, as all the athletes ran through gravel, dirt, grass, and pasture land. On a hot October day, both North Platte Cross Country teams showed a lot of grit and both came away with the championship. This was the fifth invitational win for both the guys and girls teams this season.
Both varsity squads battled well against the eight other schools in the meet. It is always fun to compete against schools in Western Nebraska. They have talent, grit, and are tough competitors. The race went out quick on both sides. The varsity girls hung tough and all of our top six girls finished in the top thirteen. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Zarah Blaesi in second, followed by: Nelia Rivas (6th), Evelyn Blaesi (7th), Lexi Hoatson (8th), Baylee Evarts (10th), and Jenessa Arnold (13th). The boys followed suit, by having several runners place high in the meet. The varsity boys were led by Evan Caudy, with a first place finish, followed by: Jonah San Miguel (4th), Rian Teets (6th), Aaron Franz (7th), and Tom Moss (12th).
Both of our junior varsity programs had great performances to cap off their seasons. The junior varsity girls were led by Boston Pettera with a first place finish, followed by Shelby Steele with a third place finish. The junior varsity boys finished first as a team. This was the sixth invite out of seven meets that the junior varsity boys have finished first this season. They were led by Trenton Golter with a first place finish, Ben Steele (2nd), Ainsley Schroeder (4th), Rayce Moerke (5th), Gabe Jenny (7th) and Oban Sandavol (11th).
Our boys and girls varsity teams will compete at the district meet this coming Thursday (10/15) in Lincoln, Nebraska at Pioneers Park.