Stratford Cross Country stayed very close to home this week and competed in the annual SBISD Cross Country Invitational at Nottingham Park. Although it was warmer and more humid than the previous weekend, the weather cooperated and it was a nice morning for racers and spectators. A great crowd was on hand to cheer on the athletes, including Stratford teachers, coaches, and administrators. Thank you for the fantastic support from Principal Mr. Barnes, Head Athletic Coach Rankin, and so many other familiar faces from SHS who came out to watch the Spartans compete.

 

Varsity Boys (12 teams competing)

In a field of 94 runners, our top five guys went 2-3-4-12-23 and won the Varsity Boys Team Championship plaque in the process.

After running 16:00.30 in the 5K at Strake Jesuit last week, Jona Morford busted through the 16-minute barrier this week with a 15:49 (PR) and second place overall. It looked like a green and gold train racing down the final stretch when Daylan Rushing came across in third place with an 11-second PR of 16:02 and Andrew Hopkins crossed in fourth with a big PR of 16:07. Owen Duggan went under 17 minutes for the first time in 16:44 for 12th, and Samuel Jordan crossed in 23rd with a time of 17:19.

Despite being without Ben Pearce this weekend, the Stratford boys secured first place with 42 points. Memorial was the runner-up with 56 and Cy Creek was third with 95.

Results (5K - 94 finishers)

Jona Morford - 2nd - 15:49

Daylan Rushing - 3rd - 16:02

Andrew Hopkins - 4th - 16:07

Owen Duggan - 12th - 16:44

Samuel Jordan - 23rd - 17:19

Jake Rodriguez - 25th - 17:25

Eli Roberts - 32nd - 17:39

Ethan Shuck - 39th - 17:55

Jean Choi - 44th - 18:09

 

Varsity Girls (9 teams competing)

All five of our Varsity girls finished in the top half of the individual standings, strong enough for fifth place in the team results. Our young team continues to improve and several PRs were set on the day.

Running alone in third place with a little over 300 meters remaining, Niamh Collins used her outstanding speed to close on the second-place runner with 30 meters remaining and out-leaned her at the line to secure the silver medal. Niamh's 5K time of 18:39 was a new PR. Amelia Bommer and Olivia Ceraudo finished in the top 25.

Results (5K - 88 finishers)

Niamh Collins - 2nd - 18:39

Amelia Bommer - 18th - 21:01

Olivia Ceraudo - 24th - 21:26

Laura Gonzalez - 31st - 22:07

Savannah Ceraudo - 42nd - 22:43

 

Junior Varsity Boys (11 teams competing)

It was a big day for our JV boys as they placed five runners in the top 20 and finished second place in the team standings.

The team was led again this week by Nate Zoboroski in 8th, but Diego Ruiz, Liam Osbon, Nathan Scott, and Brody James also won medals and ran fast times.

Results (5K - 124 finishers)

Nate Zoboroski - 8th - 18:29

Diego Ruiz - 13th - 18:46

Liam Osbon - 14th - 18:52

Nathan Scott - 16th - 18:54

Brody James - 17th - 18:55

Kaleb Bernat - 24th - 19:15

Matthew Dial - 33rd - 19:40

Charles Keen - 36th - 19:50

Kyle Gray - 52nd - 20:40

 

Junior Varsity Girls ( 12 teams competing)

Great result for Laura Lozano, as she made the podium by finishing 3rd place in a huge field of runners. Angie Salel also had a strong day finishing in the top 25. As a team, our five runners secured fifth place, beating seven other teams on the day, and several PRs were accomplished.

Results (2 mile - 118 finishers)

Laura Lozano - 3rd - 13:21

Angie Salel - 25th - 14:20

Sophie Hare - 37th - 14:52

Tara Cvetkovic - 44th - 15:13

Amanda Gonzalez - 86th - 17:20

 

Freshman Boys (3 teams competing)

Six freshman boys won medals on Saturday and all seven runners finished in the top 25. Their performance earned them the Team Championship plaque.

Braddox Overstreet blazed his way to first place overall and was the only Spartan to win that honor on the day. Nolan Brock and Wesley Shuck were top 5 in the standings. Other medal winners were Ashton Campbell, Bobby Carter, and William Ryan.

Results (2 mile - 33 finishers)

Braddox Overstreet - 1st - 10:50

Nolan Brock - 4th - 11:27

Wesley Shuck - 5th - 11:36

Ashton Campbell - 6th - 11:51

Bobby Carter - 9th - 12:10

William Ryan - 13th - 12:39

Cooper Avila - 25th - 13:58

 

NEXT WEEK

Our Varsity teams will compete at the highly competitive Hoka/McNeil Invitational at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas next Saturday morning, September 23rd. High School Cross Country teams from across the entire state of Texas are registered to compete.

Our Sub-Varsity Teams will have an open week.