ATTICA — Eaton’s cross country team ventured north last weekend to compete in Attica Seneca East’s Stars, Stripes and Lights Invitational.
The event was held in the evening and featured fireworks prior to the fist varsity race.
The overnight trip for the Eagles proved to be successful as both the boys and girls teams finished in the top 10.
“Seneca East was a night race and overnight trip for our high school program. We have traveled to Seneca to compete in their other invitational two times over the last five years, but this is the first time we have competed in their night race,” Eaton coach Randy McKinney said. “This was not a normal meet nor was the overall atmosphere of most meets in which we compete. Our girls and boys’ teams had our best team and individual and team races to this point in the season which is our goal as we progress from week to week in our season schedule.”
The girls team placed sixth overall out of 22 teams, while the boys placed 10th out of 21 teams.
“Both races featured several state ranked DII schools and many outstanding individuals,” McKinney said.
The girls finished with 207 points. Akron St. Vincent St. Mary finished first with 30 points. Upper Sandusky was second with 151 and Edison was third with 166.
The boys’ team finished with 216 points. Utica placed first with 67 points. Ontario was second with 92 and Edison was third with 127.
“Both teams are improving in their individual race efforts and team pack attempts which is leading to the lowering of individual times and solid team performances against stronger competition,” McKinney said. “After the two races our athletes were very pleased with their individual and team progress, especially once they had time to process it all at 11:30 on a Saturday night. I really liked the opportunity for all our boys to run in the same race and the same for our girls’ team. Overall, there were 245 runners in the boys’ race and 203 runners in the girls race.”
Avery Bleil led the Lady Eagles with a 36th place finish in 21 minutes, 29.01 seconds. Josie Eilerman was 37th in 21:36.94. Rounding out the top seven were Emily Haynes (45th, 21:56.57), Addison Guiley (47th, 22:03.98), Elise Simmons (56th, 22:29.68), Brynlee Hamilton (60th, 22:35.25) and Alli Davis (92nd, 23:38.89).
On the boys’ side, Jack Richardson finished 28th in 17:44.94 to pace the Eagles. Tanner Davis was 40th in 18:08.31. Rounding out the top seven were Wes Kitchin (46th, 18:14.02), Skyler Derksen (50th, 18:19.93), Reed Daniels (52nd, 18:21.17), Michael Fomin (84th, 19:06.37) and Dylan Staley (94th, 19:26.89).
McKinney praised meet organizers for their efforts.
“The meet was highly organized, very spectator friendly, had a great course design, a strong field of competition and an outstanding cross country atmosphere for the athletes, coaches and spectators alike,” he said. “The meet was a patriotic tribute to veterans, firefighters, medical personnel and law enforcement officers. In addition to the quality races there was the opportunity to visit the traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial, which was placed on the infield of the stadium. Two skydivers floated in during the National Anthem, one carrying a massive sized American flag (and) concluded with a really touching bagpipe playing Amazing Grace; all part of the tribute. Then, after dark, prior to the start of our division two boys race there was an excellent four minute long fireworks display that was just outstanding. A very powerful night to say the least. This was a great meet for us to place on our early season 2024 schedule.”
Eaton will host its annual invitation on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Fort St. Clair Park. The first race is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with Eaton, National Trail and Preble Shawnee all competing in the boys race.
The second race is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. with Eaton, National Trail and Preble Shawnee scheduled to compete.
Seven other races are scheduled for the day beginning every half hour and concluding with an adult co-ed race at 12:45.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
