ORIGINALLY WRITTEN TOM STOPPEL
The Marion High School cross-country team competed at Council Grove Thursday.
Danielle Cope led the girls with a ninth-place finish in 13 minutes, 26 seconds.
“Danielle ran very well,” coach Rex Ostmeyer said. “I felt it was one of her best races this year and I was proud of how she ran.”
Following Cope were Tacy Taylor (26th, 14:15), Katie Hett (29th, 14:28), Emily Svoboda (17:02) and Elisa Gayle (17:52). As a team, the Warriors placed seventh in the 12-team field.
“The girls continue to be pretty consistent and to improve each week.”
For the, Daniel Goentzel finished the 5-kilometer course in 17:56 for an eighth-place medal.
“Daniel looked much better today than last week,” Ostmeyer said. “He ran strong and finished well.”
Also medaling was Luke Bowers, who placed 15th in 18:27.
Justin Heidebrecht finished in 19:26 and “continues his consistent sophomore season,” according to Ostmeyer.
Matt Kirkpatrick ran a personal best time of 20:26.
Ostmeyer said the Warrior boys will benefit this week from the return of Gavin Moore, who recently joined the squad.
“Gavin is a guy who qualified for state in the 2-mile in track as a sophomore and is a very good runner,” Ostmeyer said. “Once he’s in top condition, he’ll challenge Luke and Daniel to be our top finisher.
“Adding Gavin gives our guys a real chance to do some damage in the post-season if they keep working hard.”
Marion will run at Chapman this week.
Also competing at Council Grove were the Centre Cougars.
For the girls, Allie Will placed 64th in 16:39. She was followed by Brittany Owens (69th, 17:11) and Justine Jennings (74th, 18:00).
Centre also will compete at Chapman this week.
