Staff writer
The Marion High School boys cross-country team finished second Thursday at the Marion Invitational.
The rain did not hinder Jordan Hett. He crossed the finish line at 18 minutes, 9 seconds through a tunnel of MHS football players who went to the meet to cheer on the team.
Hett led the entire race and said that he was able to distance himself from the rest of the pack at the first mile marker.
“He really shined,” coach Bethany Carlson said.
Patrick McCarty was the second Marion runner across the finish line. Carlson said McCarty has gradually improved throughout the season. He finished sixth on Thursday with a personal best time of 18:48.
“He has such a strong finish,” Carlson said. “He has really good form when he’s striding.”
Jacob Cope finished 10th with a time of 19:10.
Carlson said senior Michael Kirkpatrick sprinted out at the start of the race, which encouraged McCarty and Cope to follow him. Kirkpatrick eventually finished 19th with a personal best time of 19:25.
“Michael really pushes the pace,” Carlson said. “He keeps Patrick and Jacob up with him.”
Clark Kroupa was the Warriors’ fifth runner, finishing 33rd with a time of 21:02. Derek Stuchlik and freshman Timothy Knolla finished soon after at 34th, 21:11, and 37th, 21:06, respectively. Knolla’s time was a personal best.
“It’s very exciting for a freshman to be on varsity,” Carlson said. “I’m very proud of him.”
Although Carlson would like to see Stuchlik, Kroupa, and Knolla up closer with the top four runners, she was pleased with the team’s effort so far this season.
“They show up at meets and run hard,” she said.
Elizabeth Goentzel finished 11th in the girls race with a time of 18:01.
“She was comfortable and she didn’t look worn out at all,” Carlson said.
Sarah Eurit finished 24th with a personal best time of 19:53.
“She had a very strong finish,” Carlson said. “I told her to show off her sprinting ability.”