The Guthrie High School cross country teams have kicked off their season with a demanding schedule, designed to prepare them for the key races later in the year.
Jays head coach Bryce Balenseifen is looking forward to the season even if that means challenging them in the beginning.
“Our “slogan” this year is “No stone unturned.” We will do everything we can do to be the absolute best we can be, and find joy in the ups and downs that come with the process,” the coach said.
The season opener on August 24 saw the Lady Jays competing at Deer Creek, where they finished eighth overall in a tough 10-team field. Guthrie, along with Bishop Kelley and Bishop McGuinness, were the only 5A teams up against a lineup dominated by 6A powerhouses.
Piedmont’s girls’ team demonstrated why they are among the favorites in 6A, winning the meet with just 33 points, well ahead of second-place Jenks, who scored 61 points.
Leading the way for Guthrie was sophomore Taylor Schroder, who finished 44th overall with a time of 21:06. Raley Hooper followed in 52nd place with a time of 21:40, while Peyton Read finished 62nd (22:40), Addison Poupard 67th (23:26), and Kristie Botello rounded out the team with a time of 23:42.
On the boys’ side, the Bluejays placed 13th out of 14 teams, with Piedmont taking first, Deer Creek second, and Mustang third. Guthrie’s standout performer was junior Isaiah Blevins, who impressed with a 10th-place finish, clocking in at 16:12. The race was won by Zachary Williams of Cache High School, who finished in 15:21.
Junior Kallon Cyphers was the next to cross for the Jays, finishing 57th (17:02), followed by Corbin Madison (82nd), Riley Wilkerson (85th), Isaac Talley (96th), and Josiah Dement (98th).
At the Carl Albert Invitational Elite, the Lady Jays secured a sixth-place finish, while the Bluejays took eighth in a field of both 6A and 5A runners.
For the Bluejays, Blevins once again led the team with a strong performance, finishing seventh overall with a time of 16:41. Stillwater’s senior Mez Barth won the race with a time of 15:47. Cyphers continued to impress, earning a top-20 finish with a time of 17:44. Other notable finishes included Talley in 35th, freshman Easton Smedley in 44th, and Madison in 47th.
On the girls’ side, Schroder delivered another top-10 finish, coming in eighth with a time of 21:44. Moore’s Kate Holbrock took first place with a time of 20:27. Sophomore Poupard finished 30th, followed by Read (38th), freshman Jaydin Alexander (46th), and freshman Riley Piersol (60th).
Guthrie’s next challenge will be hosting the annual Clay Tarter Memorial Invitational at the Cottonwood Flats on September 7. Related article: Large turnout expected for 2nd annual Clay Tarter Memorial Invitational
Be the first to comment on "Guthrie Cross Country teams face tough early season challenges"