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NMS boys win second consecutive XC event
The Nevada Middle School boys cross country team continued its red-hot start to the season, notching a second-consecutive team gold on Tuesday.
Fresh of their Sept. 11 first-place finish at the Cottey Invitational, they followed up with a top-flight performance at the heavily-attended Bolivar Liberator Invitational.
The Nevada boys were paced in the 2,500 meter-run by Aiden Ryan's runner-up finish. Additionally, Aiden Watts notched a top 10 finish, while two other Nevada runners medaled as well.
"They continue to have great-race after great-race," said Nevada head coach, Ryan Watts. "While we were really excited with winning at Cottey last Friday, we knew that this meet would be a really great barometer to see how we compare to the top teams in the area. The Bolivar invite always attracts fantastic teams."
Added Watts: "They really wanted to prove their top finish at the Cottey invite was no fluke, and we were hoping for a top-three finish, so we would know the Cottey meet wasn't an outlier. And, our boys didn't disappoint."
Watts called it a rare feat that his entire eighth-grade boys squad finished in the top 50 individually, at a "stacked meet."
"They're really starting to push each other, and motivate one another to be better," he said. "It's really special to see, as nothing can motivate runners more than their own teammates."
Nevada's dynamic sophomore duo, Avery Morris and Allie Rains, both notched top 10 medalist-finishes in the girls' varsity 5-Kilometer (5K) run.
"Avery and Allie ran stellar races, essentially neck-and-neck from the gun to the finish line," Watts noted. "They continue to push each other, and grow. That teamwork/competitive dynamic they have together is pretty special, and will help them improve through their high school careers."
Watts said the course was much more technical than anything they had seen this season.
"It was up-and-down, with sharp turns, and technically challenging footing," he said. "So, for our sophomore girls to not miss a beat, and bring home a pair of top 10 finishes, was very impressive."
Leading the way for Nevada in the varsity boys' 5K competition, sophomore Kaden Padgett clocked a sub-20 time, en route to a 21st-place (medal) finish. It was Padgett's first race since suffering an injury in the season-opener (roughly) three weeks ago.
"Having Kaden back really bolsters the top-end of the varsity boys (lineup), and helps drive all our runners further up in the race," Watts explained. "So having him back was great — for both him individually, and the entire varsity boys group."
Nevada's other three boys' varsity runners — Jaden Theis, Mokey Dawn, and Ethan McGinnis each had solid showings.
"They were challenged to go out a little harder than usual, and to try and get up at the front earlier than we have before," Watts said. "While it made a few of them a little nervous, they attacked, and looked strong early."
Watts confirmed that they are awaiting a student-athlete to become eligible, which would then qualify the varsity boys for team-scoring.
Nevada's junior varsity team was also in action, with Sean Jones and Lane Jones placing 18th and 19th respectively, while earning medalist recognition. Michael Treese added a third medal to the JV collection, with a 30th-place finish.
The JV race was ran completely separate from the varsity 5K, which is not always the case.
"They used it as an opportunity to compete against comparable runners, and get up in the mix, where they can learn more about jockeying for position and working their way through a crowded field," Watts said. "They ran very well."
Led by Averi Dawn's top 10 finish, Nevada's middle school girls squad placed eighth in the 2,500-meter team competition.
"All of the middle school girls ran very well," said an elated Watts. "This tough course was a sharp learning curve for our first-time runners, and wasn't really anything they had experienced before."
Said Watts, of both his high school and middle school programs: "I can't say enough great things about this young group. We are running very well, and it's easy to forget how youthful (they are) because of how mature and aggressive they've been running."
Summed up Watts: "It was a great day for a race. Spectators were allowed back, and many of the premier teams attended. Our worry that COVID was going to hurt the level of competition was unfounded, as it was an awesome, competitive field of runners, on a very challenging course. We feel really great about how we ran, and even more excited about the direction the teams are heading."
__NMS boys' 2,500 meter results
NMS firs-place team championship__
• Aiden Ryan, second-place medalist (10:42); Aiden Watts, 10th-place medalist (11:21); Anthony Pizzano, 11th-place medalist (11:22); Shaityn Williams, 17th-place medalist (11:49); Lane Lion, 34th (12:40); Jake Keading, 50th (13:40); Matt Eaton, 67th (15:01).
• Overall winning team: Nevada Middle School
• Overall individual winner: Brody Ingold, Bolivar Middle School
NHS varsity girls' 5K results
• Avery Morris, ninth-place medalist (24:02); Allie Rains, 10th-place medalist (24:05); Ashley Mather, 35th (27:27).
• Overall winning team: Bolivar High School
• Overall individual winner: Miha Nambara, Republic High School
NHS varsity boys' 5K results
• Kaden Padgett, 21st-place medalist (19:50); Jaden Theis, 39th (21:26); Mokey Dawn, 56th (22:37); Ethan McGinnis, 59th, (22:50).
• Overall winning team: Bolivar High School
• Overall individual winner: Ethan Billingslea, Bolivar High School
NHS junior varsity boys' 5K results
• Sean Jones, 18th-place medalist (24:48); Lane Jones, 19th-place medalist (24:48); Micheal Treese, 30th-place medalist (26:22); Cody Weeks, 34th (28:20).
• Overall winning team: Hermitage High School
• Overall individual winner: Bradley Forrest, Hermitage
NMS girls' 2,500 results
Eighth-place team finish
• Averi Dawn, ninth-place medalist (12:46); Mary Kate Russell, 37th (14:24); Courtney Weeks, 63rd (16:23); Hayley Mather, 66th (16:33); Morgan Austin, 78th (17:59).
• Overall winning team: Bolivar Middle School
• Overall individual winner: Bella Bateman, Reed Academy
Schools in attendance
• Bolivar, Nevada, Reed Academy, Willard, Lebanon, Jarrett, Carver, Pleasant Hope, El Dorado Christian, Republic, Skyline, Clinton, Warsaw, Buffalo, Hermitage, Marion County, Stockton, Dadeville, Humansville, Weaubleau, Fair Play, Climax Springs.