×

Area runners set to hit the course today

Elkins and Tucker County squads coming off state meet appearances

Ward

ELKINS — Area high school cross country teams will take to the courses today to begin the 2019 season.

Both Elkins High School and Tucker County will compete in the 27-school St. Marys Autumn Classic, while Buckhannon-Upshur and Philip Barbour are entered in the unique Knight Relays, an event which takes place after 8 p.m. at Preston High School.

The Tucker County squads both have strong numbers and experienced competitors.

A total of 24 runners (11 boys and 13 girls) are out for the Mountain Lions this fall and both teams are coming off state meet berths.

The Tucker boys will be led by seniors Will White and Holden Young, while the Lady Mountain Lions have five runners — seniors Katie Surguy and Caitlin Fladung, junior Karlee Smith and sophomores Kate Falls and Kristen Hicks — back with state experience.

Falls

Neither Philip Barbour squad made the state meet last season but senior Noah Ward and junior Olivia Frye both turned in strong efforts running as individuals.

Ward placed seventh and Frye was 17th.

Competing in one of the toughest regionals in Class AAA, the Buckhannon-Upshur boys will be guided by six veteran seniors.

They include Samuel Walker, Cory Hamner, Ethan Cutright, Patrick Nanners, Nathaniel Beer and Tanner Hardman.

Junior Julius Hobbs is also a top returnee and was the top finisher for the Bucs at last year’s regional meet.

The Lady Bucs also are senior dominated as Molly Fox, Jenny Williams, Kassidy Wilfong and Adrianna Cutright are back, along with junior Kellie Casto and a talented group of freshmen.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today