In a season of firsts, it’s a second that proved memorable for Coach Jeremy Russell and the Liberty Christian cross country team.
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In a season of firsts, it’s a second that proved memorable for Coach Jeremy Russell and the Liberty Christian cross country team.
At the recently completed Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association (MCSAA) state cross country meet in Joplin, eighth grader Ryan Smyka finished second in the race, individually. At the same time, the Eagles took second in state in the program’s first year of existence.
Smyka and the Eagles took no prisoners that day.
“Winning was the only option,” Smyka said. “(I wanted to) get out front, be dominant, and show them what LCA is all about.”
Smyka, indeed, ran out front, finishing second in 18 minutes, 33.40 seconds.
Eagles Coach Jeremy Russell lauded the youngster, not only for his state meet effort, but his entire season.
“During regular season, (in his) middle school races, he medaled in every race,” Russell recalled. “He set a course record in one. He is a special runner.”
Smyka said that it’s his goal to make the finishes a harbinger of what’s to come in his future in the sport.
“I know I’ve got a good future in front of me if I keep working hard,” Smyka said. “(I can prove) to others that I can and will reach my full potential.”
While Smyka led the way, other Eagles flew to the finish in quick succession as well.
Sophomore Cruz Meyer (19:19.60) was seventh, junior James Guinn (20:07.90) was 12th, senior Ryan Hoffman (20:29.80) was 18th and seventh grader Isaiah Hakim (23:46.80) was 31st.
The 98 points allowed Liberty to finish second in its MCSAA classification.
The result, given the circumstances, was worth noting, Russell said. After all, the team was without its top runner, freshman Brady Russell, for most of the season and the state competition.
“I expected to win, to be honest,” Russell said. “But he had a major injury and some other things. I’m not ungrateful for our finish. Ryan went out and crushed his PR and Ryan and Brady are special runners. (Most of them) set PRs.”
The experience gained at the event and getting brady Russel back in future years should set the bar very high for the team, the coach said.
“The future is bright,” Russell said. “If we can avoid injuries, I don’t see why we can’t win three or four titles in the (near future).”
On the girls' side, sophomore Lucy Hoernschemeyer (28:36.20) placed 11th.
After her, middle schoolers Brenna Ramey (34:29.20), Gracie Lammert (34:57.10) and Laya Tyler (35:09.10) finished 17th through 19th, respectively.
“I was pleased with girls (with) only one upperclassman,” Russell said. “She crushed her PR by four minutes. The rest were sixth or seventh graders.”
