With the weather cooperating for a cross country meet, Southern Columbia, Warrior Run, Williamsport, Loyalsock, and Hughesville arrived in Laporte ready to compete on Thursday, September 13th. The races proved to be filled with action and excitement.
In varsity boys’ action, Kelby Mullen (19:42), from a field of 48 runners, set a new course record on this year’s newly designed course. Lucas Hatton (21:16) and Jordan Beinlich (21:22) were the next Griffins over the line in the 8th and 10th spots, respectively. Bob Polcrack (22:13) and Tom Choplick (22:27) earned 15th and 19th place finishes. Noah Krieg and Kassidy Brown completed the roster. The Griffins earned three wins: 21-34 over Warrior Run; 15- 50 over Loyalsock; and 15-50 over Hughesville. However, they suffered their first two losses for the season: 29-26 to Southern Columbia and 31-25 to Williamsport. The harriers’ record now stands at 6 wins, 2 losses for the season.
In varsity girls’ action, the ladies, with all team members present, came ready to compete in the field of 42 harriers. Bridget Paonessa (26:47) led the Griffins with a 5th place overall finish. MacKenzie Doyle (28:18) and Alexis Kiess (29:25) were the next lady harriers to complete the race, claiming the 10th and 12th place spots. Teammates Kelly Kramer (29:35) and Bethany Lambert (29:44) earned 18th and 19th place finishes, respectively. Lady Griffins Emily McMahon and Olivia Morgan followed. Crystal Riebe, Sierra Karge, and Courtney Leahy rounded out the Griffi n roster. The ladies completed the competition with four wins: 21-38 over Southern Columbia; 15-46 over Warrior Run; 21-34 over Loyalsock; and Griffin Harriers Meet Success On New Cross Country Course 15-50 over Hughesville. Their loss for the day was against the Millionaires, 43-17. Their record also stands at 6-2 for the season.
In junior high action, the boys’ team had only two teams to face—Southern Columbia and Williamsport. From the field of 24 competitors, Taylor Baldwin (13:15) set the new course record with his 1st place finish, followed by Liam Molyneux (13:32) in the 2nd place spot. Teammates Jimmy McCamley (14:25) and Jordan Pedro (14:48) were next over the line, claiming the 4th and 6th place finishes. Lucas Shultz, Joey McCarty, and John Saxe followed. Caleb Fitzgerald and Joe Daniels completed the list of runners for the day. When the scores were tallied, the young Griffins had earned two more wins: 18-41 over Williamsport and 18-43 over Southern Columbia. They remain undefeated for the season.
The junior high girls likewise had only two teams to compete against. From the field of 24 runners, Devin Hilts (18:26) led the team with her 8th place finish. Maddie Fritsch (18:33) was next over the line in 10th, while Macy McCarthy, Danielle Reeser, and Kyleigh Ammerman claimed the 12th, 13th, and 14th spots. Emily Wettlaufer and Liz Popadich completed the list of young lady Griffi ns competing for the day. They did secure a win, 15-50 over Williamsport; but Southern Columbia held them off 38-17.
The Griffins travel to Lewisburg Elementary School next Tuesday to face the home team as well as Bloomsburg, Loyalsock, and Mount Carmel. The races are scheduled to begin at 4:15. On Saturday, Sept. 22, the varsity teams will compete at the PIAA Foundation Race at Parkview Golf Course in Hershey. Good luck to all teams.