By Stacey Fisher

Special to the Tribune

Skyline High School cross country competed in the Abby Trapp-Prescott Invitational at the Larned Country Club on Thursday, September 26. The course measured slightly long at 3.25 miles, so individual PRs (Personal Records) were not to be. The Thunderbirds were without their fearless leader, Head Coach Mike Neifert, due to shoulder surgery but they soldiered on to compete hard. In the end, the varsity boys won first place as a team, riding on the shoulders of senior Jude Nelson who took first place.

On the girls’ side of the roster, Skyline is fighting a numbers issue with only three runners. This puts them out of contention for team titles. This sad fact has somewhat overshadowed the hard work and dedication of the girls who are toughing it out day in and day out on the course. These girls are juniors Trystan Harrold and Cheyanne Snider and freshman Elizabelle Kunz. 

The Skyline varsity boys won the meet, making it four in a row for this hardworking and talented group of running Birds. Nelson claimed the win with the Robinson brothers, Ethan and Ely placing fourth and fifth respectively. Luke House crossed in the number 14 position and Levi Smith and Jacob Ary finished in the middle of a large field of participants.

Assistant Coach Pam Lucas stepped into the main leadership role very handily to guide the Thunderbirds. “All of our runners rose to the occasion and competed hard on a hilly course in warm conditions,” Lucas said.  “They all had good performances with many kids earning medals on the day.”

Both the middle and high school teams will be traveling on Thursday, October 3 to compete in the Clyde T. McCracken Invitational in Ness City. The first race will start at 3:30 p.m.