McKayla in the South Valley Journal newspaper

Riverton cross country runners lead the pack

By Greg James Friday, December 20, 2013186 views

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  Riverton senior McKayla Morgan finished sixth at the state cross country meet held at Sugar House Park. Photo courtesy of dsandersonpics.com

The Riverton High School cross country team had an up and down season, but they managed to finish their season on top.

“We had some good performances in general, despite it being a tough season. The boys finished strong at the team regionals in Arizona,” head coach Chase Englestead said.

The Silverwolves boys team traveled to Mesa, Ariz. to compete in the Nike Southwest Regionals. The regionals are part of the national cross country team championships.

The boys placed fifth overall, out of 31 teams. Utah teams placed first, second and third overall (American Fork, Davis and Ogden). The regionals included teams from Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

Senior McKayla Morgan qualified for state individually. She placed second at the Region 4 finals and sixth in state. Morgan was scheduled to race at the individual Footlocker Regionals Dec. 7 [after press deadline]in Walnut, Calif.

“McKayla is a dedicated runner. If we ask her to do something, she does it exactly how we said and always goes the extra mile. She has really improved her kick (race finish) this season,” girls cross country assistant coach Shelise Walker said.

Sophomore Katie Coleman placed 22^nd at the region meet and improved her time by more than a minute this season.

The girls’ team top region finishers were Maddisen Gumeson, Brooke Gray, Zoey Bartlame, Katie Henzi and Brittany Wahlin.

The boys placed fourth in Region 4 and eighth at the state meet.

The boys’ top state finishers were Clay Lambourne, Michael Bluth, Sam Coleman, Hyrum Portlock, Tyson Davis, Landon Andrews and Brandon Walker.

Senior Brady Earley took third at the region meet and then got sick and was unable to compete at state.

“It was extremely disappointing for him to finish the year unable to go. Sam (Coleman) was also injured, and Clay (Lambourne) did not feel well. So state was a little disappointing. I really believe our team is one of the most mentally tough teams out there, though. Running is very quantifiable, and we are able to track these kids’ improvement throughout the season,” Englestead said.