The Salem and Glenvar cross country teams competed in the Alleghany Invitational last Saturday at the Jackson River Sports Complex in Axton. The Parry McCluer boys and Christiansburg girls won team titles in the big meet.
There were 31 schools and 239 runners in the boys’ meet. Glenvar finished seventh overall and Salem was 11th in the 5,000 meter race. Kebryl Chandler of Parry McCluer was the individual winner with a time of 15:11.
Glenvar’s Tyler Davis finished 18th overall with a time of 16:14 to lead the Highlanders. Also scoring were Tyler’s brother, Zachary Davis, in 39th, Aldin Smith in 44th, Evan Harris in 55th and Casey Weeks in 83rd.
“Every single runner set a new personal best time,” said Glenvar coach James Osborne. “Tyler just missed the school record by one second.”
Salem’s best finish was 37th by Austin Prosser in a time of 16:56. Also scoring for the Spartans were John Stovall in 48th, Thomas Scharp in 56th, Isaac Snow in 66th and Grant Horner in 93rd.
In the girls’ varsity race Salem was 17th and Glenvar was 21st. Senior Kiera Lowman of host Alleghany won the girls race in a time of 18:05, 34 seconds ahead of second place. Salem was led by Keeley Prosser in 45th place. Also scoring were Caroline Huff(84th), Olivia Huff(103), Harper Rocovich(119) and Hannah Patel(142).
Glenvar’s Anna Hall was 41st. Joining her in the five scoring spots were Everly Shanks (71st), Genna Shanks (137th), Naomi Kidd (166th), and Kamryn Hill (184th).
In the jayvee race Salem’s boys were fifth among 12 teams with Gaven Horner leading the way. Glenvar’s Colin Graffeo was third and Ricardo Lorado-Castillo finished 12th. Salem had three jayvee girls with Kaylyn Ross having the best time.
The middle schoolers ran a 3,000 meter race and Jaxson Kuzmich of Glenvar won among 181 runners with a time of 9:45, just two seconds off the course record. The Highlanders were second as a team behind Cave Spring as Sawyer Austin finished 12th and Hudson Brendal finished 13th to earn medals. Rounding out the scoring for the team were Matthew Brennan in 30th and Matthew Gard in 41st.
The Highlanders are scheduled to compete this Saturday at the Bristol Cross Invitational at Steele Creek Park. Salem’s next meet will be October 4th at Green Hill Park.
