Ten schools braved high humidity and hot weather to participate in the Pioneer Invitational at the Warren County Middle School cross country course on Saturday.
Hundreds of supporters lined Caldwell Street and were scattered throughout the course to watch the event in muggy conditions left behind by Hurricane Laura.
The Pioneer boys high school team finished seventh overall, highlighted by Alec Smith, who ran a strong race and finished with a time of 19:00 which was 1:38 behind the winner.
“Alec really ran a great race and put up a very impressive time,” said WCHS coach Anne Myers. “If he can post that kind of time on a course this tough and on a day this hot, there’s no telling what he can accomplish this season.”
Aiden Cano (21:31), Conner Gremillion (22:05), Mitchell Caten (22:45), and Cooper Bailey (23:18) finished out the top five Pioneer runners with a cumulative time of 1:48:42.
“Aiden Cano had a really standout performance,” Myers said. “He ran a personal best and fought hard to finish second for the Pioneers. When everyone was struggling with the heat he stayed calm and consistent.”
Coffee County’s Jacob Rutledge posted the best time finishing in 17:21.
Fred J. Page High School’s boys high school team finished first with a total time of 1:38:57 with an impressive average time of 19:47.
Emma Randall was the top finisher for the Lady Pioneers with a time of 24:28. Ainsley Stefanick posted a time of 30:06 and Marissa Walker clocked in at 30:11.
“Emma Randall finished in the top 10 and ran a gutsy, tough race from start to finish,” said Myers. “Emma is an experienced runner and I hope to see her competing with the best in our Midstate area.”
Stewarts Creek High School’s girls team finished first in the high school competition with a team time of 1:59:58. Stewarts Creek’s Andrea Ellis finished first overall with a time of 21:37.
Warren County Middle School girls had a strong showing and finished second with a total time of 1:29:45. Abigail Bundy finished third overall with a time of 16:24. London Caten, Jena Grissom, Haven Hasty, and Olivia Stefanick rounded out the top five.
The Warren County Middle School boys team finished third with a total time of 1:20:16. Andrew Key posted the best team time finishing in 13:44, which was only 34 seconds off the lead.
Along with Key, Campbell Sutton (15:10), Isaac Stefanick (16:07), Dylan Walker (17:09), and Alex Smith (18:03) were the top five finishers for the middle school team.
