The Lowry High School cross country was back in action last Friday at the Reed Invitational at Shadow Mountain Park in Sparks.
Sophomore Jovi Kuskie finished fifth in the varsity girls race in a time of 20 minutes, 51 seconds. She was the highest finisher among small-school runners. The top six runners were separated by 43 seconds.
Damonte Ranch’s Carley Legenbauer won the race with a time of 20:15. Bishop Mangoue’s Maddy Kirvan (20:30) and Damonte Ranch’s Marena Middleton (20:33) were second and third, respectively. All three are seniors.
“Jovi was right in it until the end where she was out-kicked at the line,” said LHS coach Kathy Norcutt. “She raced very tough and was able to stay with those 4A girls.”
Adia Bengochea placed 28th in a time of 22:51 and Kinsey Albisu-Leibfried (23:21) was 33rd.
“Adia also had a good race and is learning about race strategies,” Norcutt said. "She is putting it all together and is a strong hill runner. Kinsey had another great race and set a personal best. She has been really pushing in practice and its transferring into her races.”
Galena took home the team title with 49 points, while Damonte Ranch (62) was second. Spanish Springs (84), Nevada Union (88) and Carson (139) rounded out the top five. Elko was the highest finishing 3A school in seventh.
In the junior varsity girls race, freshman Taylor Hawkins placed 18th in a time of 25:45. Teammate and fellow freshman, Ryleigh Raabe was 31st at 27:24.
“Both girls had great races,” Norcutt said. “They both set personal records. They both continue to work very hard in practice and are seeing the benefits on the race course.”
Reno’s Kochia Krum won the race with a time of 22:46 and Galena’s Sofia Rasmussen (23:49) was second. Nevada Union won the team championship with 34 points and Reno (42) was second. Galena (65), Reed (111) and Damonte Ranch (123) closed out the top five.
In the varsity boys race, junior Jeremy Walker continues pace the Buckaroos, as he was the top finisher at Reed in a time of 18:53 to finish 42nd.
Dylan Nee stopped the watch at 21:02, followed by Christopher McGuire at 21:36. Erick Prado (22:03) and Christopher Esparza (22:44) rounded out the Lowry finishers on the 3.1-mile course.
“Dylan and Christopher (McGuire) did a good job of running closer to each other,”added the coach. “Christopher stepped it up a bit. Erick and Christopher (Esparza) also worked hard at staying together. I work those kids hard in practice during the week, so they were a bit tired but still managed to run hard and have a great race.”
Galena’s Matthew Gordon beat Sierra Lutheran’s Teagen Hansen by one second (17:07-17:08 to win the individual title. Carson’s Zachary Sever was third with a time of 17:16) and Nevada Union’s Jake Slade (17:22) and Galena’s Bryce Welton (17:24) were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Reed had four runners finish in the top 12 to win the team title with 45 points. Galena (94) was second and Spanish Springs (97) was third. Lowry was 14th in the team standings with 392 points.
In the junior varsity boys race, sophomore Cal Peters paced the Buckaroos with a 31st-place finish in a time of 21:02. Fellow sophomore, Jesse Hawkins was 42nd at 21:24. Tyler Morrison, another sophomore, was 20th at 21:56. Tyler Carpenter stooped the watch at 23:03 and Kalib Gordon had a time of 26:45.
“The JV boys had a great race on Friday,” Norcutt said. “Cal really took the lead for the team and had a great race. Jesse stepped up and was right behind Cal. He ran a personal best on this difficult course. Tyler (Carpenter) did a great job of working hard the entire race. Tyler (Morrison) and Kalib had great races.”
Reed freshman Lucas Godard won the race in a time of 18:12 and Nevada Union had the next three finishers. Nevada Union won the team title with 47 points and Reno (61) was second. Lowry was 10th with 267 points, beating fellow 3A schools North Valleys, Elko and Fernley.
Lowry hosts its invitational on Friday at Winnemucca Municipal Golf Course at 3 p.m. The Buckaroos travels to Wells on Oct. 18.
“Overall, I am pleased with the progress we are making,” Norcutt said. “We continue to focus on mental toughness and pack running. I am excited to see these kids run on their home course. I hope people come out and support us.”
