Although there was rain all day, it did not put a damper on the Batesville Cross Country Invitational. In fact, just as the race was to start, the rain began to subside and it became perfect weather for running.
There were 12 teams competing overall, but were divided into large and small schools. Batesville moved themselves up to large schools this year and put together some solid performances capturing 2nd place for both the boys and the girls large school competition.
The boys fell 5 points short to East Central scoring 56 points to Batesville’s 61. This was also just 1 point ahead of 3rd place team Rushville at 62. Batesville was led by Caleb Moster who was the meet runner up crossing at 17:15. He was followed by teammate Connor Bell in 3rd at 17:28. Brice Keeton got himself in the top 10 at the 10th spot, 18:08. Quinten Gowdy placed 20th at 18:38 and finishing the 5th scoring spot was Clay Yeaton at 26th. Also running varsity for the Bulldogs were Alex Batta and Elliott Main finishing at
30th and 31st.
The girls, also captured 2nd to a very talented and ranked Seymour team who scored an amazing perfect 15 points. Batesville’s total was 68, just outscoring East Central with 71. Leading the Dogs was Mary Poltrack in 8th place at 20:37. She was followed by teammates Emma Gausman placing 11th at 21:02, Maria Wessel in 13th at 21:17 and Audrey Weigel, 15th finishing at 21:32. Topping off the 5th place runner for Batesville was Kylie Lehman running 22:18 in 21st place. Other varsity runners were Katie Baumer and Audrey Maupin in 24th and 26th place with Audrey Maupin running a personal best for the season.
The JV race was not scored, but awards were given to the top 10. Derek Nobbe and Carly Fitzpatrick both were in the top 10. Derek at 9th and Carly in 7th, racing through at her personal best for the season. Other JV runners finishing with a personal best were: Will Sittloh, Anna Kick, and Cheyenne Laker.
A special shout out goes to Taylor Meyers as she competed in her first high school cross country race as a junior. However, she has been on the team for all 3 years, she has been unfortunate with leg injuries, but her perseverance and positive attitude put her on the start line and through the finish today! Very excited for her and hope the injury free way will continue!
Tonight the Batesville Cross Country Team also celebrated Senior night and we were blessed to honor 14 Seniors this year. Congratulations and best of luck to all of them! They have been great leaders for us and we wish them nothing but the best for the
future. Those honored were: Connor Bell, Alex Batta, Clay Yeaton, Derek Nobbe, Maria Wessel, Molly Weigel, Heidi Shaw, McKayla Schloemer, Sarah Canady, Mary Catherine Barnett, Breanna Hartman, Samantha Heidlage, Jamie Day and Lauren Eckstein.
The Bulldogs finish their regular season this Thursday at the Greensburg Invitational.
Courtesy of Bulldogs Coach Lisa Gausman.