Sheldon XC runners open season at Cottey Invitational

A trio of Sheldon High School cross country runners kicked off their season at the Cottey Invitational — Sept. 11 at Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course.

In the girls' 5-kilometer run, Sheldon junior Madison Garren notched a strong 13th place finish at the heavily attended meet. Garren clocked a time of 23.55. Fellow junior teammate Leah Byram also competed, but did not finish the race.

On the boys' side for Sheldon, sophomore Deshawn Huffman placed 86th, crossing the finish line with a time of 22.57.

The team was back in action for Wednesday's Drexel Invitational. Garren, a returning Class 1 state-qualifier, collected a runner-up finish (25.02). Huffman, meanwhile, slotted into 10th-place (23.31).

"I am so pleased, and constantly amazed with their times, as they continue to improve," said Sheldon head coach, Mike Galimberto. "Injuries have been minimized, due to improved pre-running conditioning — and a variety of both short-and-long running days. I am super-happy with the times recorded at Nevada. And, although it doesn’t show in the times, improvement in running-style and pace improved at Drexel — as one of our athletes (Huffman) earned his very first cross country medal."

Added Galimberto: "I am continually amazed at how these athletes strive to compete. Despite being a small team, and competing against larger schools, they do their very best."

The Sheldon XC team returns to action Sept. 22 at Stockton, and follows with a Sept. 26 meet at Hermitage.