by Caleb Peter

On Aug. 25th, PCM cross country students left early to go to the Gilbert Invitational at the Iowa State University course. The girls ran first, with the top runner, sophomore Paytan Schut, crossing the finish line at 23:39. Sophomore Kirstin Ives was next with a 23:52, and senior Jayci Vos clocked a 24:00. Schut, Ives and Vos earned meet medals, placing 12th, 13th and 14th, respectively.

“Having three girls medal might be the most we have ever had at Iowa State University,” Head Cross Country Coach Eric Karr said.

Junior Baylee Smith ran a 24:42. Sophomore Megan Townley was a second behind Smith at 24:43. Freshman Klaire Jungling finished with a 24:49, and senior Rachel Stafford ran a 24:56. Almost a minute behind Stafford, junior Ellie Steenhoek clocked a 26:06. Sophomore Morgan Uhlenhopp finished with a 26:57. The girls got second as a team, with CMB placing first.

“The girls had a great meet. To come in second place and beat the team that won last year is a great start. The boys ran well with some really great times for the first meet,” Karr said.

Senior Chris Ellens finished second overall in the meet with a time of 17:55. The winner was senior Andrew Stumbo, last year’s 1A State champion from Ogden who was 30 seconds ahead of Ellens.

“I was very excited about getting second place. I came out a lot faster than I thought, and I’m really excited to see how this year goes. Our team did good, too,” Ellens said.

Ellens’ performance got him some notice; he made the week one State rankings, coming in at 20th in 2A.

Freshman Jason Stafford was the next PCM runner to finish with a 20:22. Freshman Jacob Cox was two minutes behind Stafford at 22:17. Senior Mark Bruxvoort was right behind Cox at 22:22.

“It’s really exciting to see so many underclassmen contribute to the varsity team,” Karr said.

Junior Caleb Peter finished at 22:43, and freshman Owen Hugen ran a 22:50. Junior Brady North finished running at 23:01.

Karr said, “I’m excited to see if the boys can continue to drop their times after such a fast start.”

On Aug. 25th, PCM cross country students left early to go to the Gilbert Invitational at the Iowa State University course. The girls ran first, with the top runner, sophomore Paytan Schut, crossing the finish line at 23:39. Sophomore Kirstin Ives was next with a 23:52, and senior Jayci Vos clocked a 24:00. Schut, Ives and Vos earned meet medals, placing 12th, 13th and 14th, respectively.

“Having three girls medal might be the most we have ever had at Iowa State University,” Head Cross Country Coach Eric Karr said.

Junior Baylee Smith ran a 24:42. Sophomore Megan Townley was a second behind Smith at 24:43. Freshman Klaire Jungling finished with a 24:49, and senior Rachel Stafford ran a 24:56. Almost a minute behind Stafford, junior Ellie Steenhoek clocked a 26:06. Sophomore Morgan Uhlenhopp finished with a 26:57. The girls got second as a team, with CMB placing first.

“The girls had a great meet. To come in second place and beat the team that won last year is a great start. The boys ran well with some really great times for the first meet,” Karr said.

Senior Chris Ellens finished second overall in the meet with a time of 17:55. The winner was senior Andrew Stumbo, last year’s 1A State champion from Ogden who was 30 seconds ahead of Ellens.

“I was very excited about getting second place. I came out a lot faster than I thought, and I’m really excited to see how this year goes. Our team did good, too,” Ellens said.

Ellens’ performance got him some notice; he made the week one State rankings, coming in at 20th in 2A.

Freshman Jason Stafford was the next PCM runner to finish with a 20:22. Freshman Jacob Cox was two minutes behind Stafford at 22:17. Senior Mark Bruxvoort was right behind Cox at 22:22.

“It’s really exciting to see so many underclassmen contribute to the varsity team,” Karr said.

Junior Caleb Peter finished at 22:43, and freshman Owen Hugen ran a 22:50. Junior Brady North finished running at 23:01.

Karr said, “I’m excited to see if the boys can continue to drop their times after such a fast start.”