CARTHAGE, Mo. — When the Carthage High School boys cross country team gathered for a group photo at the conclusion of Thursday’s Carthage Invitational, it was a meaningful moment for all those involved.
Why? The Tigers were posing with the team championship plaque, something that had eluded the program for more than two decades.
The Tigers claimed the team title at their own invite, edging Rogers 60-62 for the top spot in the standings.
The team title was a long time coming—21 years to be exact.
“I couldn’t be happier with our boys team,” Tigers coach Brian Crigger said. “This is the first time in 21 years we’ve won the boys division here. They knew they had a shot and they really wanted to do it. They ran great today and I’m really proud of them. This is special.”
Carthage had three runners finish in the top 10 and five in the top 23.
Tigers senior Caleb Fewin finished seventh in 18:11, senior Miguel Solano was ninth in 18:23 and junior Eddy Fuentes took 10th in 18:25. Senior Michael Lanyon was 17th and freshman Devin Smith was 23rd.
“I had some kids step up,” Crigger said. “Caleb ran great today. The top five all ran really well. This is a tough course and there was really good competition. Our No. 5 (Smith) closed the deal for us.”
Also for the Tigers, Javen Byrd finished 43rd, Indiana Gray was 48th and Skyulor Honeycutt finished 50th.
On the girls side, Carthage was led by sophomore Maggie Boyd’s sixth place finish.
Katy Witherspoon finished 25th, Jennifer Rodas-Gomez was 27th, Jenna Wilson was 40th and Diana Pichardo took 42nd. Sonia Lopez-Gramajo (44th) and Alyssa Williams (45th) also competed for the Tigers.
“Maggie ran real tough,” Crigger said. “We have some work to do on the girls side. It’s a tough, challenging course for the girls, but they ran hard. Sometimes the results don’t show how hard they ran. They’ve improved a ton since last year. That’s all we can ask for.”
Crigger noted the program enjoys hosting the annual event at the Carthage Golf Course.
“I appreciate all the teams that come out and support this meet,” Crigger said. “This is the 49th year for the meet. It has to be one of the longest running meets in the area. And it’s just a fun meet to host.”
Carthage will be among the teams competing at the Southern Stampede on Sept. 17.
CARTHAGE INVITATIONAL
Boys team standings: Carthage 60, Rogers 62, Webb City 77, Willard 84, Glendale 86, Carl Junction 153, Springfield Central 173. Incomplete teams: Bolivar, Hillcrest, Parkview, Thomas Jefferson.
Girls team standings: Webb City 35, Rogers 41, Carl Junction 68, Glendale 107, Carthage 110. Incomplete teams: Springfield Central, Hillcrest, Parkview, Thomas Jefferson, Willard.
