One week after running well in Shiprock, the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers’ cross country team traveled to Mancos, eager to test itself against opponents from throughout the Southwest.
Unfortunately, things did not go all that well for the Panthers.
Competing in the Chicken Creek Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 28, both the M-CHS boys’ and girls’ teams finished last in fields composed mostly of schools with comparatively small student bodies.
On the boys’ side, Chandler Dee led the way for the Panthers, crossing the line in 19:55, which was good enough for 16th place.
Next across the line for the boys’ team was Justice Ramos, whose time of 20:10 was good enough for 20th place.
Also competing for the boys’ team, Taylor Wilson finished 31st (22:20), Brackin Whiteskunk finished 34th (23:19) and Leonard LaPaz finished 36th (24:29).
As a team, the boys placed sixth behind Centauri, Mancos, Pagosa Springs, Monticello, and meet winner Durango High School.
On the girls’ side, the Panthers were paced by Rachel Demby, who, after winning in Shiprock last week, finished second in Mancos with a time of 21:44.
Next in for the Panthers’ girls was junior Elana Cope, whose time of 25:25 was good enough for 32nd place.
Abby Lock then crossed the line in 40th (26:55), Julia Damore followed in 45th (28:40), Madison VanBibber finished in 47th (30:56), Taryn Wilson finished 48th (31:46) and Samantha Bagge completed the course in 49th (31:47).
As a team, the Panthers’ girls finished eighth overall behind Monticello, Bayfield, Aztec, Centauri, Mancos, Durango and meet winner Pagosa Springs.
Looking to rebound, the Panthers will next compete in Cortez at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 5. The meet is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.
imaclaren@cortezjournal.com
