The Eupora High School cross-country team is starting off the 2023 running season with strong performances at the Eagle Claw Invitational and the TCPS Twilight.
On Aug. 26, Eupora XC hosted the fifth annual Eagle Claw Invitational with 24 teams and over 400 runners participating.
"Our race was definitely a success because of those who volunteer to help make it run smoothly. It was a record-breaking hot morning, but the runners showed up and showed out. The runners earned a lot of respect for their efforts and being able to withstand the weather conditions," said Coach Randee Jernigan.
The cross-country team thanks the volunteers and local businesses for supporting our team with hosting our annual meet.
Eupora's Junior High girl team earned a second-place finish with Mary White winning the 2-mile race with a time of 15:09. Taylor Payton also earned a top 10 finish coming in sixth place. Junior High boys earned third place, High School girls earned fifth place, and High School boys earned eighth.
Last Thursday, Eupora XC traveled to Belden to race in the TCPS Twilight.
"Our runners have a love-hate relationship with this course. Between the Eagle Claw and the Twilight, our first two races are full of hills. The benefit of the Twilight is that it's later in the day and the temps are much better for running conditions. We've had to practice a lot this season later in the day due to the heat. The runners have been prepped for the hills and the temps," said Jernigan.
The junior high ran a 1.5-mile loop. The Junior High girls placed first in the Small School division with White winning the race with a 10:13 time.
"The junior high course record for the Twilight was a 10:23. Mary beat the time by 10 seconds. She is a talented runner who glides when she runs. She pushes herself hard and the results show her effort. Looking forward to all she can accomplish this season," Jernigan said.
The Junior High boys placed third, High School girls placed fourth and High School boys placed sixth. Eupora XC had six Top Finishers: White, Payton, Cydney Smith, Lacey Turnipseed, Thomas McFarland and Ryder Weeks. With goals being set, all four teams are making progress weekly with faster times.
Eupora XC heads to French Camp this Saturday to compete in the French Camp Invitational. With cooler temps and a flatter course, Jernigan is really looking forward to seeing how the runners progress.
"These runners are dedicated and positive athletes. Day in and day out, they are focused on their improvement and skills. I'm excited to watch them grow this season."
