On Sat., Aug. 18, the Timber Creek cross country team opened their season at the Mansfield-Timberview Six Mile Relay. Competing in groups of four with each person running one and a half miles, the race started a season that is sure to be memorable for these athletes and coaches.
“The relay is a unique cross country event,” explained Coach Josh Allen. “They definitely made it fun with a great atmosphere and the rubber chickens as batons.”
For the runners, who are used to individual races, the relay offered a twist on the way they regularly compete.
“In this relay, there wasn’t an individual aspect,” said senior Erika Barrett. “The way we performed affected the whole relay team, so we depended on each other even more to run our hardest.”
After a day of competition, the Falcons received plenty of medals, with the varsity boys showcasing two medal winning performances. Micah Pearce, Eric Gordon, Davis Whitaker, and Braden Lange won the gold, while Robert Neeley, Braydon Thomas, Ben Kloesel, and Michael Caire took the bronze. Just as well in the varsity girls division, a team consisting of Gabi Berera, Amore Brichetto, Sarah Gibides, and Erika Barrett finished with the silver medal.
“I think it was a good race to start my season with,” expressed Barrett. “I was able to gain confidence in my training, and now, I’m looking forward to what our team can do this fall.”
Meanwhile in the JV division, the Timber Creek girls swept the podium. The gold medal winning team was made of Val Goytia, Claire Greenhill, Sammy Martinez, and Peyton Lee, while the silver medal team was Skylee McLoud, Haley Jennings, Maranda Crutchfield, and Valerie Schmidt. Following slightly behind was bronze medal team consisting of Bristol Putney, Zoey Connor, Gaby Villanueva, and Alexis Eagle. A JV boys team won silver with Matthew Romines, Bryson Braegger, Hayden Moffett, and Killian Ogden.
“It was a fun and successful kickoff,” said Coach Allen. “I’m so excited for the 2018 Falcon [cross country] season.”
The team will be competing next on Aug. 24 with a two mile race at the Friday Night Hawk Invite at McInnish Park & Sports Complex, hoping to showcase more of their skills and hard work.
“[This meet] will be an opportunity for everyone to run fast and test themselves,” Coach Allen said. “I just want everyone to really get out and compete and be aggressive.”
