For Montezuma-Cortez High School cross-country runner Rachel Demby, the wins just keep coming.
Competing at the Shiprock Invitational on Sept. 20, Demby emerged victorious for the third consecutive week, winning with a time of 19:54.
According to Panthers head coach Paul Koops, Demby fell behind early before closing the gap just over a mile into the race on the course’s first big hill.
Demby then hung tough until the course’s next hill before pulling away to win by 30 seconds.
“It was a tremendous race for Rachel,” said Koops. “She continues to be one of the best athletes in the school and one of the best runners in the Southwest part of the state.”
While Demby’s big win highlighted the Panthers weekend, several other runners on the M-CHS girls team enjoyed solid results.
Cross the line in 41st place for M-CHS was Regina Schuster, whose time of 24:18 represented a season-best.
Also running well were Elana Cope, who finished 43rd (24:37), Samantha Bagge, who finished 51st (25:26) and Julia Damore, who finished 57th (26:03).
Rounding out the Panthers varsity finishers were Kristine Candelaria, who finished in 26:09 and Rachel Zetts, who finished in 26:20.
On the boys side, the Panthers were paced by up and coming freshman Sonny Boren, who placed 24th with a time of 18:29.
According to Koops, Boren’s run was especially impressive in light of the fact that he is just kicking off his high school running career.
“Sonny ran remarkably well,” said Koops. “He looked really strong at the end and ran a great time.”
Other varsity finishers for the boys included Taylor Wilson, who finished 56th (20:26) and Chandler Dee, who finished 58th (20:33).
Next up for the Panthers cross country teams will be the Chicken Creek Challenge, which will take place in Mancos on Sept. 27.