By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Cougar cross country teams produced exceptional times in the Class 3-Region D cross country race held at Greenhill Park in Roanoke County last Wednesday. Senior Macie Rogers placed eighth and qualified for the state cross country tournament this week.

“It was a fantastic way to end the season,” said Coach Lynne Deckel. “Everyone on the team PRed, or ran a personal record, for either the season or their career. I couldn’t ask for a better effort from them,” she said.

In the boys’ race, Zach Montgomery finished 21st while Monroe Morse was 23rd. Kristian Reynolds placed 25th followed by Jared Biedrycki in 35th. Brandon Rohrbach was 55th and Tristian Moore was 62nd. The boys finished sixth as a team.

Macie Rogers led the Lady Cougar runners placing eighth in 20:31. Armonte Carter was 23rd followed by Arielle Taylor in 25th and Ashton Collins in 27th.

“It was a fast course with great competition, and everyone managed the course well,” Deckel said. I saw grit and tenacity in every single one of them, and it was a true showing of all the hard work they put in all season. I had many seniors that really went big in their last cross country race ever,” she added.

“However, Macie is the exception to that because she qualified for the state meet next week. I am super proud and excited to train another week with her and get her ready to compete at states,” Deckel said. “I knew she had a chance going into the regional meet, but to see it all finally come together for her was incredible. I couldn’t be more proud of her,” she added.

“She put the team on her back, and I have no doubt she will do it again next week and make the entire Cougar community very proud,” said Deckel.

Macie competes November 11, in the 3A State Cross Country Championship race at Great Meadow, The Plains.

(See related story).