The Warrenton Warriors crossed over into Illinois last weekend to compete in the Border War cross country meet. 

The Warrenton boys runners placed seventh out of 15 teams at the competition, which was held at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. Senior Phillip Kackley was the top Warrenton runner in the competition. He placed fifth, running the competition in 16:34. 

“Phillip’s time of 16:34 is his second fastest time of the year,” Warrenton head coach Jeremy Collins said. “He took the lead early on and was looking strong and had a great finish to get fifth.”

Wyatt Claiborne placed 12th for the Warriors. He finished with a time of 16:55. This is the third time Claiborne ran a time under 17 minutes this season after not logging a single time under 17 minutes in his first three seasons, Collins said. 

Jacob Beckemeyer ran the third fastest time among all Warrenton boys runners. He placed 47th with a time of 18:19. 

“Jacob has really improved a lot this year,” Collins said. “He had gained a lot of confidence this year and is running pretty aggressive.” 

Matt Craven and Bryan Guerrero also registered counting times for the Warriors’ team score. Craven placed 84th with a time of 19:21. Guerrero placed 87th with a time of 19:26. 

Noah Cline and Steve Schmitt logged personal records during the competition. Cline finished with a time of 19:29.61. Schmitt ran the race in 23:58. 

The Lady Warriors placed ninth out of 11 teams in the competition. Alexis Ruff led all Warrenton runners with a 35th place finish. She ran a personal record race in 22:54, which was 26 seconds faster than her previous record time 

“I think she is still learning how to race the 5K distance and I can see her just getting faster,” Collins said. “Ruff usually starts out pretty conservative and as the race moves on, she will move up in the placing.”

Briana Grooms logged the second fastest time among all Lady Warrior runners. She placed 59th with a time of 24:20. 

“She’s had some great workouts,” Collins said. “For her to have a season best is great to see. She was able to move up a couple spots in the second half of the race and she looked strong today.” 

Camryn Peyersmeyer logged a 67th place finish for Warrenton. She finished with a time of 24:39. Ashlynn Reeves ran a personal record 25:53 and placed 80th. Jadyn Hopper also ran a personal record time. She placed 91st with a time of 27:29. 

Warrenton is scheduled to compete at the GAC Championships Oct. 12 in St. Charles.