The Montezuma-Cortez High School cross country team kicked off its season at the Monticello (Utah) High School Invitational on Wednesday.
Sophomore co-captain Abby Lock placed fourth on the girls side with a time of 23:15.
I thought she ran really controlled. I think there is potential for better, but were really pleased for her first effort, M-CHS coach Paul Koops said. She was letting the pace carry her and she was attacking in the last mile.
Kia Baikie, a Mancos transfer, won the junior varsity race in 24:24.
She has to run JV half the year due to transfer rules. Im just happy she brought her running shoes along. Shell be a great addition, Koops said.
The Lady Panthers were not able to field five runners due to injuries, so a team score was not recorded.
For the boys, co-captain Dillon Wells took 12th in 19:31.
He did great going up against the Monticello varsity, and San Juan (Blanding, Utah) looks really strong. It was a good race for him, Koops said.
Monticello defended its home course and won the boys team title.
Other times for the Panthers are Stephen Garner (19th) 20:33, Chandler Dee (26th) 22:35 and senior Kyle Baacke took 32nd in 23:45 for his first race.
M-CHS will be at the Bayfield High School Invitational today beginning at 9 a.m.
Were working through a couple of injuries. Thats always a tough race, always good competition there, Koops said about going into Bayfield.