by Head Coach Brian Goatley

Middle School cross country has gotten off to a good start. They have had two meets thus far, with three more coming in the next week. On the boys side, we have 6 runners with 8 on the girls side.

Conditions have been very hot for both meets; however, we have still competed well.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Middle School traveled to Nevada. This is the first year since we have had cross country, that Nevada has hosted a meet, so this was new for everyone. The course was held out at Marmaduke park. Not too bad for the first year. We saw both Joplin Middle Schools, Pittsburg, KS, Harrisonville, Nevada and Sheldon at this meet.

We were one of the smallest schools there, but despite that, we competed fairly well. 7th grader, Daelen Ackley finished in 2nd place, followed closely by teammate Brice Knoll (8th grade) in 4th place. 7th Grader, Trevyn Garringer just missed the medals, finishing in 12th.

On the girls side, 7th grader, Morgan Mitchell finished 9th, with Kenli Rader (7th grade) just missing the medals in 16th position. Despite the extreme conditions, both teams fought through and learned something about themselves.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the Middle School then traveled to Bolivar. This was a much bigger race, probably one of the biggest that they will face this year. They medaled the top 25 and we had two that medaled. Leading the way was Daelen Ackley, finishing in 9th place, followed shortly by teammate, Brice Knoll, in 22nd. Pretty good job, based on the fact there were over 190 runners.

On the girls side we just missed the medals, but many of the girls improved on their time. Improving was a big deal of its own, as the course in Bolivar is more difficult and demanding then the one at Nevada.

Overall the Middle School is off to a great start of the season.

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