The Patrick County High School cross country team traveled south of the border to compete in the Friday Nights Invitational in Kernersville, N.C. The meet attracted more than 2,000 athletes from 66 schools and was contested at night.
“This race has an absolutely electric atmosphere. The rolling 5k course is lit up with construction lights and almost entirely lined by cheering spectators,” said Coach Kali Slaydon.
The JV boys were the first to race and saw Kristian Reynolds, Tristan Moore and Preston Foley all clock cross country personal records (PRs).
The girls’ team, led by Macie Rogers, ran a solid race. Rogers finished 40th in the 256-girl race. Armonte Carter continued her stellar season and was the second Cougar across the finish line. She ran a very strong race and hacked another 1 minute and 20 seconds from her PR. Montana Moorefield, Arielle Taylor and Lindsey Marshall rounded out the scorers. The girls finished 12th overall in the Invitational race.
The boys’ team continued to build upon their success from last week. Juan Cisneros closed extremely hard and finished sixth out of 263 runners. Monroe Morse was the second scorer, running an eight second PR. Burke Gonzalez, Zach Montgomery and Bailey Holt also scored for the Cougars. The boys finished sixth overall, which was a big step in the right direction for the program.
“We are not satisfied with where we are time-wise right now, but we are very happy with the way both of our squads are racing,” said Coach Danel Slaydon. “Cross country is all about toughness and consistency, and if our athletes continue to race the way they have been, we will be exactly where we need to be at the end of the season,” he added.
