The Harlan and Harlan County cross country teams traveled to Leslie County on Tuesday to compete in the SEKC Championships.
“Our runners had a great race at Leslie County for the SEKC,” Harlan cross country coach Anne Lindsey said. “Despite the rain and cold, they performed outstanding on the course. We had personal records from all of our runners.”
“I’m proud of the kids. I thought we raced hard this evening. I thought both teams were super focused despite it being a small field of runners,” Harlan County cross country coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “One of the things we discussed is that it doesn’t matter if there’s one team at the line or 100; the effort should be the same. They absolutely took that to heart and competed their tails off.”
The Lady Bears won the girls varsity race with 15 points. The Bears also won with 21 points.
Peyton Lunsford won the girls race with a time of 20:34.81 to lead Harlan County. She was immediately followed by Gracie Roberts (20:47.55), Lauren Lewis (20:54.80) and Kiera Roberts (21:13.04). Preslee Hensley finished seventh with a time of 22:02.85. She was immediately followed by Jaycee Simpson (22:55.91) and Aliyah Deleon (23:18.40). Suzy Mumford (14th) finished with a time of 24:53.26. Aiselyn Sexton was 16th with a time of 27:26.79. Madison Daniels (27:37.90) placed 18th.
“The girls ran a great race. It was a cold, rainy mess, but our kids pushed through it,” Vitatoe said. “I tell them all season that’s why we practice outside when it is ugly and rainy. You never know what race day will be like.
“I’m proud of Peyton. To win the SEKC four straight years is a huge accomplishment. She has had an incredible career with us.”
To lead Harlan in the girls race, Harper Carmical finished fifth with a time of 21:24.10, setting a new school record. Abbigaile Jones (23:37.08) and Zoe Lawson (24:41.59) were 10th and 12th, respectively.
“Abbie and Zoe shaved significant amounts off their previous records,” Lindsey said. “Harper also ran well, setting a new school record for the girls 5000m.”
In the boys race, Elijah Moore placed second with a time of 17:22.44 to pace Harlan County. He was immediately followed by Kaden Boggs (17:30.24) and Caleb Schwenke (17:50.08). Jacob Schwenke was sixth with a time of 17:57.51. Ethan Simpson (18:23.67) finished eighth. He was immediately followed by Jonavan Rigney (19:19.07), DaShaun Smith (19:22.43), Evan Simpson (19:23.87), Christopher Johnson (20:16.44) and Kaylob Stevens (20:18.49). Braxton Duncan (18th) finished with a time of 20:45.42. Robby Johnson (22:44.98) was 22nd, immediately followed by Jayden Sargent (22:50.40). Landon Cook placed 27th with a time of 24:35.65. He was immediately followed by Jaxton Miller (24:45.64), Bryce Saylor (24:50.05) and Landin Blackwelder (26:50.09).
“The boys had a great performance this evening. The packs continue to get closer (and faster) and that bodes well moving forward. I thought they all ran great,” Vitatoe said. “I’m proud of Caleb Schwenke. He’s been chasing sub-18:00 all season, and he hit it today.
“It was a huge performance. Four guys in the 17s is an incredible accomplishment. That next pack was right on their heels. What a great team performance this was. Winning the SEKC is a big deal and they deserve it. They’re a great group.”
Cooper Thomas led Harlan’s boys, finishing 14th with a time of 20:27.95. Xavier Farley (16th) finished with a time of 20:30.95.
“Cooper and Xavier pushed themselves in the boys race, taking significant time off their previous personal bests,” Lindsey said.
Lunsford was named SEKC Runner of the Year.
Lunsford, Lewis, Hensley, Gracie Roberts and Kiera Roberts were selected for the All-SEKC team on the girls side.
“All of these girls killed it tonight,” Vitatoe said. “Five girls on the All-SEKC team is ridiculous, but they pack so well. It feels like we’re running our best at the right time.”
On the boys side, Moore, Boggs, Caleb Schwenke and Jacob Schwenke were named to the All-SEKC team.
“I’m proud of our guys who made All-SEKC,” Vitatoe said. “To put four in there is a big accomplishment.”
Carmical was designated for the All-SEKC team.
“It was a great way to wrap our regular season. Now we get focused on the regional meet,” Vitatoe said. “We have to keep up our intensity these next ten days.”
Harlan County’s elementary and middle school will compete in the KTCCCA Meet of Champions State Championship on Saturday at Lexington.
Harlan County’s varsity teams will return to action on October 26 at home in the KHSAA Class 2A, Region 7 meet.
Harlan will travel to Monticello on Saturday for the Cave Lake Fall Classic.