A Trail of Two Cities

The Saratoga Middle High School (SMHS) cross-country team had two busy weeks competing in Colorado and Wyoming.

On September 20, the runners participated in the Sweetheart Invitational in Loveland Colorado.

Race results have yet to be posted, but Head Coach Rex Hohnholt was pleased with the efforts of all participants.

“It was a great meet and I was really happy with how we performed. Most of the athletes who ran had seasonal or personal bests, although I can't confirm that yet. It was great to see our kids compete so hard, though,” said Hohnholt.

SMHS then hosted a full field of runners on September 27 at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort golf course in Saratoga, Wyoming.

The annual Shana Ward Memorial Cross Country Meet showed improvements across the board from the times of the first meet. Many runners improved by one to three minutes from the inaugural run in Ethete, September 6.

Girls’ Varsity Results—(Race distance 5000 meters/3.1 miles)

Vanessa King—30^th Place—25:25 (8:11 per mile pace); Aspen Sewell—34^th Place—26:18 (8:28 per mile pace); Madi Dunning—40^th Place—27:11 (8:45 per mile pace); Zoe Butler—41^st Place—27:17 (8:47 per mile pace); Eden Scott—46^{th th} Place—32:48 (10:33 per mile pace)

Varsity Boys’ Results—(Race distance 5000 meters/3.1 miles)

Elijah Williams—45^th Place—21:00 (6:46 per mile pace); Zane Butler—46^th Place—21:03 (6:47 per mile pace); Decker Sipe—53^rd Place—23:03 (7:25 per mile pace); Dylan Greenberg—54^th Place—23:09 (7:27 per mile pace)

The history of this race affects the coaches, volunteers, and runners every year upon reflection of the event.

“The namesake of our meet, Shana Ward — a former cross-country runner for the Saratoga Panthers — was taken from us way too soon. She is the first person I get a chance to reflect on when I drive around setting up the course. I still can visualize her smile, hear her voice and her laughter. That will be with me for eternity,” said Hohnholt. “This past July we lost her mother Andi, to a courageous battle with cancer. I miss her laughter and friendship so much. The countless hours she put into helping with this event and the track meets at our school were so much appreciated. There is a void lost in our lives, but (we) know she and Shana have joined each other in eternal joy and happiness.”

The middle school (MS) results were equally impressive and boosted confidence in the growth of the cross country program in Saratoga.

MS Girls’ Results (Race Distance 2 miles)

Kelsea Raymer—1^st Place—12:53 (6:27 per mile pace); Sihauna Sanchez—4^th Place—13:14 (6:37 per mile pace); Averie Sanchez—9^th Place—14:47 (7:24 per mile pace)

MS Boys’ Results (Race Distance 3000 meters)

Jaxon Owen—1^st Place—11:48 (5:54 per mile pace); Edgar Faust—9^th Place—13:15 (6:38 per mile pace); Wynn Sewell—17^th Place—14:36 (7:18 per mile pace); Asher Vannett—24^th Place—15:30 (7:45 per mile pace); Jamis McLinskey—27^th Place—15:44 (7:52 per mile pace)

The cross country team next competes on October 4 at the Wheatland Invitational in Wheatland Wyoming beginning at noon.