The last time the Lowry High School cross country was in a competitive race, was the 2019 3A state championships in Reno at Rancho San Rafael Park.
After seeing its usual fall season postponed due to Covid-19 concerns, the Buckaroos were back in action in Dayton on Tuesday, March 2, to begin their shortened six-week season.
Lowry’s top returning runners showed little rust with a number of strong performances in ideal running conditions.
Jovi Kuskie, who finished second in the 2019 3A state championships, started her junior campaign by winning in Dayton.
“Jovi led from the beginning and never looked back,” said LHS coach Kathy Norcutt. She had a strong first-place finish.
Sophomores Ryleigh Raabe and Taylor Hawkins kicked off the year with a third and 10th-place finish respectively. Norcutt added that both girls ran strong races.
On the boys side Jeremy Walker led the way for the Buckaroos, as the senior placed third overall.
Walker was coming off an 11th-place finish at the 2019 3A state championships. Teammate Tyler Morrison was one spot behind in fourth.
Sophomores Ivan Lara and Kaid Sanchez made it four Lowry runners in the top-10, as they placed 9th and 10th respectively.
Chris McGuire finished 13th, Austin Formby 14th, Tyler Carpenter was 15th, Erick Prado was 20th and John Boyle placed 21st
“Our returning runners have been working very hard and placed well,” Norcutt said. “We have some new athletes that worked incredibly hard to be in the top 10. We have high expectations and our athletes strive to meet or exceed them. We are very proud of their effort today. It was a great first meet.”
Lowry was scheduled to run in Elko on Tuesday and will be in Spring Creek on March 16.
The Buckaroos are scheduled to host a meet on March 23. Lowry will be back in Dayton on April 6.
