Bobcat cross country gives their all at state

The Bobcat boys and girls Cross Country team had a rough time at their State meet in Douglas last weekend.

Coach Stephanie Metz said it was a bittersweet weekend for the team, running in deep snow, gravel, grassy spots, ice, uphill and downhill, but there was no wind and it was a sunny day.

"Each runner ran with heart, determination and passion," Metz said. "Not a single runner gave up on the most difficult course they've seen all season. They ran the best race of their season and were able to improve against the 2A competition they'd seen the week before."

On the girls side they were within points of the top three teams and Metz said it was heartbreaking not bringing home any hardware, but so incredible to watch the team compete as a unit at such a high level.

On the boys side there were two individuals who beat their season personal records on such a difficult course.

Corbin Simeral ran an amazing race to earn All State honors, ranking ninth overall.

"The team represented Thermopolis with pride on one of the most difficult weekends," Metz said.

As a team, the girls placed fifth, averaging 26:24, just two minutes behind the average of top placing Tongue River.

Freshman Jayda Griffin posted a 25:30 to put her in 12th place overall, followed closely by sophomore Ruthanne Johnson in 13th with a time of 25:53. Junior Hallie Martinez finished in 15th place, running a 26:07.

Senior Rebekah Johnson finished with a 28:06 and freshman Elizabeth Kellar clocked in at 31:59.

Simeral's ninth place finish was a 19:44, helping the boys team to a seventh place finish with an average time of 22:16, two-and a half minutes off number one, Tongue River.

Freshman Jesse Rodriguez wasn't far behind with a 22:26 and Seth Needham, another freshman on the boys team, was hot on his heels with a 22:36 at the end.

Senior Ryan Miller posted a 24:19, followed by sophomore Isaac Robinson at 25:15 and junior Karsten Hart rounded out the day with a 27:39.