The Longhorn boys stick together early in last week’s SPVA meet. They include, from left, Mason Nordhausen, Landis Beverly, Kalen Wallin Franciso Barrientos and Trevin Martin. (Johnson Publications photo)
Lindsey Mendenhall, left, and Brooklyn Christensen stay together after the one-mile mark in the SPVA meet. (Johnson Publications photo)
Maddi Brown led the Longhorns at the SPVA meet with a sixth-place finish. (Johnson Publications photo)
Longhorn cross country teams third in SPVA
Chase County’s cross country teams each finished third in the SPVA meet held at Grant’s Pheasant Run Golf Course Thursday, Oct. 5.
The boys’ meet was won by Bridgeport by a wide margin with Perkins County finishing second.
Perkins County’s Caden Waitley took over the race early and never relinquished the lead to take first.
North Platte St. Pat’s won the girls’ meet with Bridgeport in second.
Bridgeport’s Dori Schneider took the top spot.
Longhorn Coach Carl Zuege said the competition level in the SPVA is really up right now.
Several years ago, the conference struggled to hold a meet, he noted. Now, there’s 60-65 kids running for the seven SPVA schools.
Zuege said they worked out harder in preparation for the SPVA meet and it took a toll on times. However, those workouts will be key this week going into districts.
Senior Will Kuenne led the boys, finishing in third. Francisco Barrientos was able to run a full race without hip issues, finishing 11th. Kalen Wallin finished in 4th.
The girls medalled three individuals as well, led by Maddi Brown in sixth.
Kaley Hauxwell battled a hamstring injury to finish 10th with Brooklyn Christensen taking 13th.
Zuege said Hauxwell would have likely won the race had she been at full strength.
Her injury is a concern for the senior as she goes into the district meet today (Thursday). She has qualified for the state meet the last two years and wants to get back there as a senior.
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