The Tyrone cross country team raced against {Philipsburg-Osceola and Central Mountain at Philipsburg on Tuesday.
The Golden Eagle boys squad improved to 5-3 with a pair of wins, defeating Philipsburg-Osceola 22-35 and Central Mountain 22-34.
The Eagles’ Rich Stever was first across the finish line in both races with a time of 17:44, followed by Dustin Elder in 18:24. Niko Lambert was third against P-O and fourth in the meet with the Wildcats in 19:06. Evan Patterson was seventh in 20:11 and Devon Wiser was eighth in 20:22.
“Both teams did an awesome job tonight. We saw the best times of the season from many of our runners. With the conference meet and districts coming up fast, I think we might be just where we want to be.”
“On the boys side, Rich Stever led the pack, followed by Dustin Elder. They both ran very strong, smart races,” said Tyrone cross country coach Tammy Wills. “We were missing Nathan Kruis today due to an injury and he is one of our key runners, so the kids knew they were going to need to step up, and Niko, Evan Patterson and Devon Wiser did just that. Evan Lewis, Derrick Wilson and John Friday ran their best times of the season. Tyler Vasbinder and Travis Johnson completed that group, keeping the pack close behind. This was the first race of the season for Ben Smerekar, who is coming back from an injury and Ethan Lewis, who joined the team a little later.”
Other Tyrone runners included Tyler Vasbinder (15th overall), John Friday (18th), Evan Lewis (21st), Travis Johnson (22nd), Derrick Wilson (24th), Ross Black (25th), Randy Wilson (28th). Ben Smerekar (29th) and Ethan Lewis (30th).
The Tyrone Lady Eagles (1-7) won their first meet of the season, turning back Central Mountain 15-50, while dropping a 15-49 decision to the host Lady Mounties. Philipsburg-Osceola had the first six girls across the finish line. Tyrone’s Ashley Salyer was the next girl to finish in 23:11. Ashley Ford was 13th in 25:33, Christina Dougherty was 16th in 28:13, Stephine Schmidt was 19th in 29:42 and Rachell Clapper was 21st in 34:20.
“Our girls were led by our two Ashleys,” said coach Wills. “Ashley Salyer had her best time to finish first for our girls, and Ashley Ford was close behind. Salyer ran a beautiful race, she is just starting to realize what she can really do. Ford had one of her strongest finishes yet. Christina Dougherty and Stephine Schmidt had their best times so far. Rachell Clapper did a great job today coming back. You could tell at times that her ankle was still bothering her, but she wouldn’t give up. I am very proud of all of them, and looking forward to seeing what the next few meets bring.”
