The Missouri Southern Stampede lived up to its name on Saturday.
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The Missouri Southern Stampede lived up to its name on Saturday.
Because of extreme heat, organizers combined two races per gender into single events, with 387 girls and 469 boys running in their respective races.
The Warrenton boys' and girls' teams were both among the literal stampede.
Still, Warriors Coach Jeremy Collins was happy with the teams’ results.
“Even though the races were pretty packed and it may have been difficult for them to make a move at times, all five ladies that ran got a season best and five out of the eight boys earned season best times,” Collins said. “I like competing in this meet because the kids usually do well and it gives them confidence going into the second half of the season.”
Alexis Ruff led the girls, running the course in 22 minutes, 52 seconds to finish 202nd.
Collins praised Ruff for showing both the physical and mental toughness to make it all the way back from a previous injury.
“It was great to see her take a lot of time off and get back to where she was her freshman year and sophomore-year times,” Collins said. “Injuries caused her to miss all of last season, so we are going to do what we can to make sure she is healthy the rest of the season. She is a two-time state qualifier, so she has the experience and that is the goal for the season – for her to qualify again.”
Freshman Ryli Price had a time of 24:43, placing 289th. Freshman Reese Keith placed 309th with a time of 25:28. That result was a feat in itself, Collins said.
“After a step or two, Reese had her shoe stepped on by Price and she ran the whole race with one shoe,” Collins said. “Even with one shoe, Keith still had a 57-second improvement. Running a 5K with one shoe and one sock is crazy to think about. She kept going and it was amazing how well she did.
Freshman Annabelle Hogan placed 324th with a time of 26:06 and freshman Trinity Daugherty placed 350th with a time of 27:27.
On the boys’ side, freshman Thomas Schoonover was the top Warrior to finish the course. He placed 370th in 21:02. Senior Alex Cutler had a strong race, placing 394th in 21:42. Sophomore Easton Miller wasn't too far behind Cutler, placing 413th with a time of 22:16. After Miller was freshman Rykr Koch, who placed 422nd with a time of 22:39.
“They ran really tough and were just a little off of their season-best times,” Collins said. “It is tough to get a season best or a PR every race. With the temperature climbing throughout the morning, everyone ran a great race and I am very proud of their performance.”
On Saturday, Warrenton will compete at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia.
