The Tyrone cross country teams traveled to Mount Union for a tri-match with host Mount Union and West Branch on Tuesday afternoon.
The Tyrone boys placed five of the top seven overall to outdistance Mount Union 15-45 and West Branch 20-40.
Aaron Houck led the way with the top spot in 18:37 and Chris Bradigan (19:29), Bradley McNeal (19:52) and Eric Sweet (19:55.29) finished third-fourth-fifth, and Dustin Elder was seventh in 19:57.
Grady Luzier of West Branch was second in 19:17 to break up the Tyrone sweep and the Warriors’ Zack Pelton was sixth in 19:55.49. The top Mount Union runner was Mark Russell, who was 11th overall in 20:59.
Other runners for the Eagles were Philip Kreckle, ninth in 20:23, Sam McCloskey, 14th in 21:06, Jonathan Bishop, 19th in 23:37 and Jake Smerekar, 22nd in 23:57.
“Our boys all ran great races today,” said Tyrone coach Tammy Wills. “We talked about how they need to run and where we needed to be before the race and they went out and did it. They ran very hard and were focused. We have a couple battling illness, so that just adds to what they did.
“Aaron and Chris led the guys followed by Bradley, Eric and Dustin. These guys have been running so well. Philip Kreckle really stepped it up and it showed with a personal best. Sam McCloskey ran tough and came through where we needed him. Jake and Jonathan both had personal records also. I am so happy with the way this team has come together and they are all working so hard and it shows.”
On the girls side, once again Lady Eagles’ senior Emily Ingle blasted away all competition to win the girls race by nearly five full minutes. The only problem, once again was the lack of warm healthy bodies.
Francsca Lambert finished fourth for Tyrone in 25:38, Salena Bradigan was 10th in 29:37, but they were all the Lady Eagle runners Tyrone was able to put on the start line.
The Lady Eagles dropped 15-50 decisions to both Mount Union and West Branch.
West Branch claimed the rest of the top six placers with Chandra Murray finishing second in 25:12.10 and Katie Hauston third in 25:12.99. Mallory Corbin was seventh in 27:59 as the top finisher for Mount Union.
“Once again, numbers hurt our girls team, with girls out because of illness,” said Wills. “But all our girls that competed ran well. Emily Ingle ran an amazing race, finishing five minutes ahead of the second girl. Francsca and Selena both had their best times of the season. They both keep getting better and better. They are both new this year and still learning, but are they are turning into great runners.”
