The Nike South Invite is one of the premier late-season cross country events held in the state of Texas each year, and this season's version was no exception. Top runners and teams from across the state converged on Bear Branch Park in The Woodlands on Saturday, and ten separate 5K races were held throughout the morning. Link to results: Welcome to MyChipTime.com

The Stratford Varsity boys kicked off the day in the elite division and went to battle with a handful of Texas State-ranked teams and other highly talented squads. UIL 6A #1 Southlake Carroll made the trip to Bear Branch Park, as did #3 Katy Tompkins, #4 The Woodlands, and #8 Bridgeland. When it was all said and done, the Spartans finished 9th out of 22 teams in the elite field and proved that they can compete with the best on any given day. Junior Ben Pearce led the Spartans' point-earners with an impressive 15th place finish, followed by junior Daylan Rushing in 32nd, senior Jona Morford in 67th, junior Andrew Hopkins in 107th, and sophomore Owen Duggan in 129th.

Varsity Boys Elite Results (5K - 176 finishers)

Ben Pearce - 15th - 15:43

Daylan Rushing - 32nd - 16:06

Jona Morford - 67th - 16:30

Andrew Hopkins - 107th - 16:52

Owen Duggan - 129th - 17:10

Samuel Jordan - 161st - 18:01

Jake Rodriguez - 163rd - 18:05

 

Senior Niamh Collins was the lone Stratford girl in the elite race, and she finished near the top of the standings in 26th place overall. Niamh continues to run very well and is in good form heading into the post-season.

Varsity Girls Elite Results (5K - 180 finishers)

Niamh Collins - 26th - 18:49

 

Freshman Olivia Ceraudo led the Spartan girls in the Varsity Red Division, and senior Amelia Bommer followed closely behind after losing a shoe early in the race and making up quite a bit of ground in the latter stages. Sophomore Laura Gonzalez battled to the end and only trailed Amelia by 27 seconds when she crossed the finish line.

Varsity Girls Red Results (5K - 161 finishers)

Olivia Ceraudo - 61st - 22:14

Amelia Bommer - 69th - 22:21

Laura Gonzalez - 87th - 22:48

 

Klein Bearkat Tune-Up

Stratford sub-Varsity competed on Friday morning at the Klein Bearkat Tune-Up at Spring Creek Park in Tomball. As the name of the event implies, it was the last opportunity for participants to fine-tune their fitness and racing skills before the District meets get going in a little over a week's time. There were many good performances from Spartan runners on the hilly and challenging two-mile race course. Link to Results: Klein Bearkat District Tune-Up 2023 - 2023 Bearkat Tuneup Results

Varsity Boys Results (2 mile - 60 finishers)

Eli Roberts - 13th - 11:10

Ethan Shuck - 14th - 11:13

 

JV Girls Results (2 mile - 112 finishers)

Laura Lozano - 12th - 14:02

Angelina Salel - 17th - 14:20

Tara Cvetkovic - 42nd - 15:19

Sophie Hare - 45th - 15:23

Amanda Gonzalez - 69th - 17:09

 

JV Boys Results (2 mile distance - 128 finishers)

Nathan Scott - 13th - 11:28

Nate Zoboroski - 19th - 11:36

Diego Ruiz - 26th - 11:44

Brody James - 33rd - 12:02

Liam Osbon - 38th - 12:07

Kyle Gray - 54th - 12:35

Kaleb Bernat - 55th - 12:35

Holden Sims - 108th - 14:57

 

Freshman Boys Results (2 mile distance - 69 finishers)

Braddox Overstreet - 6th - 11:24 (medal winner)

Nolan Brock - 26th - 12:17

Wesley Shuck - 27th - 12:21

Bobby Carter - 34th - 12:44

William Ryan - 40th - 13:10

Cooper Avila - 61st - 14:37

That's a wrap on the regular season. Next up is the District 17-6A meet on October 12th at Nottingham Park. All Stratford teams will compete, and our Varsity teams will be aiming for a top-3 finish and advancement to the Region 3 meet in late October.