The McAuley Catholic boys cross country team continues to make positive strides.
That was the assessment of Warriors coach Andy Youngworth after his squad competed at the Lamar Invitational on Tuesday at the Lamar Country Club.
“We have been without our top two runners the last couple of meets and it was good to have Phillip Motazedi back,” Youngworth said. “We ran at Rim Rock Farm at KU last Saturday, so we used this meet to try to pack up as long as possible and pull our younger runners through the meet. I was extremely pleased with our efforts and our goal was achieved…less than a minute from our No. 1 runner to our No. 5 runner.”
On Tuesday, McAuley freshman Trae Veer finished 42nd with a time of 19:29, while senior Joe Staton took 44th in 19:30.
Also competing for the Warriors were Phillip Motazedi (48th), Alex Bohachick (57th), Drew Zeb (58th), Connor Taffner (65th), Kable Reichardt (88th), Cliff Nolan (96th) and Grant Horinek (97th).
“Freshmen Alex Bohachick and Connor Taffner had their best races as high school runners and gained a lot of confidence,” Youngworth noted. “Freshman Trae Veer continues to impress.”
There were 133 runners in the boys race, with 18 full squads. McAuley finished ninth in the team standings.
The Warriors were once again without Michael Parrigon, who has been the team’s No. 1 runner this fall.
Youngworth noted he’s been pleased with the progress the team has made thus far.
“Our kids have done a great job dealing with not having our top two runners competing and have shown maturity in how they have handled the adversity,” Youngworth said. “Our seniors, Phillip Motazedi, Joe Staton, Drew Zeb and Kable Reichardt, continue to show great leadership and improved efforts over last year.”
In Tuesday’s girls race, McAuley’s Kendall Ramsey finished ninth with a time of 22:19.
“Kendall Ramsey ran a great race, running a course best,” Youngworth said. “She was in the top five towards the end but just couldn’t hold off her competitors.”
Also competing for the McAuley girls were Marbellie Villanueva (65th), Samantha Perrin (75th) and Miriam Kramer (86th).
“Due to conflicts, we have not been able to run a girls team yet,” Youngworth said. “Marbellie ran her second race of the year and continues to show improvements. Sam Perrin rebounded from a tough meet at East Newton and handled the heat.”
There were 97 runners in the girls race, with 12 full teams.
After competing at both Rim Rock Farm and Lamar in a matter of four days, the Warriors will next compete at the Cassville Invitational next Tuesday, Oct. 4. McAuley will compete at the Clever Invitational on Oct. 13 before the Ozark 7 Conference Meet arrives on Oct. 21.
FULL RESULTS: 14th Annual Lamar Tiger’s Cross-Country Invitational 2022 – Meet Results (milesplit.com)
