Donaldson atop list of runners at Woodward-Granger Invite

GRANGER – It was a good day for the Clarke girls as Katie Donaldson was the first to cross the line at the Woodward-Granger Invite Monday night.

While the Clarke girls were unable to field a full team the qualify for team points, Donaldson was the quickest girl at Jester Park Golf Course with a time of 23:48. Not too far behind her was teammate Destiny Ashby in 12th place with a time of 26:13.

Entering the first meet of the season, head coach Kayleen McCann had high expectations of Donaldson after a solid sophomore season.

“She had done well last year. ... I felt like she met and probably exceeded expectations here,” said McCann.

McCann also noted that Ashby had shown improvement and felt she matched her expectations with her performance Monday.

“She kind of surprised be because she didn’t run last year,” said McCann. “I thought she did a decent job, maybe a little better than I anticipated.”

Rebecca Van Buren was the final Lady Indian to cross the line, placing 35th in the field with a time of 30:15.

A full boys team struggled at Woodward-Granger, coming in sixth as a unit.

The fastest time clocked by the boys was Calhoun Lundquist, a 22:08 time that was 22nd fastest. Behind him by a second was Diego Cavanzon, finishing 23rd.

McCann noted that there is a lot to like when it came to the boys team and can improve as the season goes forward.

“This was a good for the boys. It’s a little eye opener and a confidence builder for everybody,” said McCann. “I just think the boys sometimes don’t know where they stand and what pace to go at and this was kind of a reality for them. ... I really liked this meet.”

With much of the season still ahead, McCann feels good about her team and the potential it can hit.

“I’m hoping that the kids will see if they keep pushing each other, they’ll get better,” said McCann. “There’s potential there. They have to work hard together to get stronger.”

McCann believes that the upperclassmen, especially the sophomore boys, will be an influence for the newer runners to push and work harder to better themselves.

UP NEXT – Clarke cross country runs next at Wayne Sept. 5. Start time will be at 4:30 p.m.

Results

Boys team – 1. Saydel 55; 2. Greene County 57; 3. Woodward-Granger 59; 4. West Marshall 76; 5. Baxter 144; 6. Clarke 148.

Boys individuals – 1. Logan Berg, Baxter,19:08; 2. Thompson Nicolas, West Marshall, 19:49; 3. Steele Dylan, Woodward-Granger, 20:01; 4. Woodruff Logan, Greene County, 20:07; 5. Velazco Luis, Greene County, 20:28; 23. Calhoun Lundquist, Clarke, 22:08; 24. Diego Cavanzon, Clarke, 22:09; 32. Ethan Domina, Clarke, 23:40; 34. Aydan Dinham, Clarke, 24:00; 35. Richie Donaldson, Clarke, 24:35; 37. Steven Hiatt, Clarke, 25:18.

Girls team – 1. West Marshall 28; 2. Baxter 67; 3. Woodward-Granger 74; 4. Green County 77; 5. Saydel 123; 6. Clarke N/A.

Girls individuals – 1. Katie Donaldson, Clarke, 23:48; 2. Emelia Hauser, West Marshall, 24:04; 3. Emma Drakke, Woodward Granger, 24:20; 4. Kailee Conradi, Baxter, 24:23; 5. Lilly Buck, West Marshall, 24:30; 12. Destiny Ashby, Clarke, 26:13; 35. Rebecca Van Buren, Clarke, 30:15.