RMHS harriers sport best times of the season

By: 
David Peck

Running with nearly a full squad, the Rocky Mountain High School cross country squad ran some strong times at the Brittany Rentas Memorial meet in Wright Saturday.

There were only five teams attending, all from the Class 2A ranks, but the Grizzlies were able to see some different competition in the form of eastern schools Glenrock, Wright, Hulett and Sundance.

“We were expecting it to be a little bit bigger, but it was a good run,” Rocky coach Tim Jones said. “It was a cold and windy afternoon.”

Sophomore Sam Loyning was the top finisher for the Grizzlies, placing fourth in a personal record time of 19:27, and freshman Zach Unruh placed eighth in 20:44.

“Sam is getting into shape,” Jones said. “It takes time. You have to build things up a little bit.”

He said Unruh is learning how to race.

“A lot of things go into it, going out at the right speed, starting at the right pace so you can finish at the right pace,” Jones said, “(also) attacking the hills. It’s also mental toughness. It takes a while to build that up and hurt for 20 minutes. All of the kids are working on those things.”

Junior Dyami Rock ran his best time of the season by nearly three minutes, placing 10th in 21:15, and freshman Cody Miller finished 20th in 23:08, a personal record, as well.

“He’s making good progress,” Jones said of Rock.

For the Lady Grizzlies, junior Evynn Alvarez had her highest ever finish, placing seventh in a time of 26:06, a personal record, and sister Ellie placed 13th in 29:33, also a PR. Senior Rebecca Herren was coming off an injury and competed for the first time in five weeks, placing 15th in 35:23.

“Evynn ran her best time this year by two minutes,” Jones said. “She knew going into the race that she had a chance to place high, and that motivated her to run with those girls. She’s running more consistent.”

Noting the improvement the members of the team are making, Jones noted, “That’s the progress you want to see as a coach. Our goal every week is to improve a little bit. That shows what they’re doing as runners and as a team is working.”

The Grizzlies will have a final tune-up today (Thursday) when they compete at the Powell Invitational. The girls junior varsity race is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., followed by the boys JV race at 1:30, the girls varsity at 2 and the boys varsity at 2:30 p.m.

The 2A West Conference meet will follow next Friday, Oct. 18, in Thermopolis.

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