The Lowry High School cross country team made its way to Elko on Tuesday, March 9, racing on a hilly Adobe Middle School course in chilly and windy conditions.
On the girls side, Lowry’s Jovi Kuskie finished second in a time of 21 minutes, 54 seconds, behind Spring Creek’s Kendra Lusk. Lusk is the reigning 3A state champion and Kuskie is the state runner-up.
“This was an exciting rematch,” said LHS coach Kathy Norcutt. “Jovi demonstrated her mental toughness as she stayed with Kendra the entire race. Jovi was just out kicked at the finish.”
The Lady Bucks’ Ryleigh Raabe placed eighth in a time of 24:45. According to Norcutt, Raabe ran a personal best and had a great race. Taylor Hawkins placed 14th in a time of 29:53.
“Ryleigh had a very good start and stayed strong the entire race,” added the coach. “Taylor also had a nice race and she continues to improve each time she races.”
The Lowry boys were once again paced by senior Jeremy Walker. Walker placed fourth in a time of 19:33.
“Jeremy ran smart,” Norcutt said. “He stayed in the lead pack the entire race and was in the mix until the very end. He is running very tough right now.”
Junior Tyler Morrison was next in line for the Buckaroos, finishing in sixth with a time of 20:12.
“Tyler also ran a fine race,” added the coach. “He looked mentally tough and did a great job on the hills.”
Sophomore Ivan Lara came in 10th at 21:02 and Norcutt said that Lara had a fast kick at the end to edge out another runner for that top-10 spot.
Fellow sophomore. Kaid Sanchez finished in 14th with a time of 21:57 and freshman Austin Formby was one spot back in 15th.
“Kaid is a new runner to the sport and he continues to impress with his work ethic,” Norcutt said. “Another newcomer is Austin Formby. Austin is also running really well as a freshman. He is mentally tough and always puts in a lot of effort.
Freshman Timothy Burnside and senior Erick Prado rounded out the runners for the Buckaroos. Burnside had a time of 25:19 and Prado crossed the finish line at 25:51.
“Both young men pushed for the entire race and did a great job,” Norcuttt said.
Lowry was back in Elko County on Tuesday to run in Spring Creek. Results were not available at press time. Lowry hosts a meet on Tuesday, March 23, at Winnemucca Municipal Golf Course.
