Weiser runners compete in large meet and improve times

The Weiser High School cross country team competed in the Bob Firman invitational on Friday, Sept. 23. This was a very large meet with teams from all over multiple states. 

 “It was exciting to get to run with so many other runners,” said Coach Scott Hale. 

 In the men’s 5K, Weiser placed 37th out of 45 teams. The top runner of the day was Corbin Johnston from North Fremont with a time of 15:56.4. The top team for the race was from Bush, Wash. There were 326 total runners in the men’s race.  

 Josh Kelley achieved his PR by 30 seconds with a time of 18:41.1. He was 105th of 326 runners. Judah Parsons finished 144th with a PR of 19:07.1. Levi Huston finished with a time of 19:50.5. Aaron Despain finished with a season best time of 22:18.3. Grant Walker finished with a time of 22:18.8. Wyatt Erickson finished with a personal best time of 22:35.2. 

 The women’s race had 31 total teams and 261 total runners. Weiser did not have enough runners participate in this race to place as a team. The top spot was Ethan Stevens from Juan Diego Catholic School with a time of 18:47.7. The top team was from Hardin, Mont. 

 Weiser runner,  Kylie Quinton placed fifth with a time of 19:29.2 – a season best time for Quinton. Claire Matthews finished 20th with a PR time of 20:46.5. Kendall Rynearson finished with a season best time of 21:02.2. Sarah Henderson finished with a time of 26:03.9. 

 This race has been a big tradition in the past, but in recent years it has been canceled due to COVID.  Coach Hale shared that the higher level of competition was good for many of his runners. 

 “The higher level of competition was really helpful for some of our faster runners that often run alone at the front. Over half our runners were able to get their best times this year,” Hale said