Evart runners Steven Gasgione and Sawyer Fink get ready for a recent Wildcat practice.
File photoREED CITY -- It was another big day of cross country running for the Reed City Coyotes on Thursday.
The Coyotes boys were first at the Mason County Central quad among five teams. The Coyotes had a score of 24 while Ludington was second at 45.
August Rohde (17:06.15) and Anthony Kiaunis (17:2315) were one-two for the Coyotes while Ty Kailing (18:19.29) and Ryan Allen (18:41.04) were five-six and Aaron Allen (19:38.72) and Paul Saladin (19:39.56) were 10-11.
“We had six of the top 11 boys,” Reed City coach Rich Saladin said. “We looked strong. I was happy. It was a small race but good competition.”
The Reed City girls were third among four teams.
For the Coyotes, Nora Smoes was fifth (22:05.43) and Clara Smoes was 11th (23:38.91). Ava Hammar was 19th (26:22.08), Makayla Watkins 21st (27:20.32) and Mariah Hodges was 29th (28:37.63).
“Nora ran a strong race,” Saladin said. “Clara had her best of the year.”
Reed City will run Saturday at the Ray Helsing Invitational at Katke Golf Course.
Evart cross country
EVART -- Former Evart state cross country champion Santana Scott has returned as Wildcat coach and is working to build up his numbers. He’s had from two to three boys racing this season.
“We had a lot of seniors last year,” Scott said, adding he was hoping to pick up more numbers.
Evart will be hosting its annual invitational on Sept 17 at Springhill Camp.
Steve Gasciogne is in his senior season and second of cross country.
“I really like running at the Evart Invitational last year,” he said.
Gasciogne was a distance runner during track season and was happy with his times. For cross country he’s hoping to break the 20-minute barrier. He said the first two miles are the strongest part of his race.
Sawyer Fink is another strong runner for the Wildcats. He’s a sophomore in his first cross country season.
“I like running,” he said. “I ran this summer as much as I could. I’ve been learning how to pace myself. I’m learning how to set my pace.”
Fink plans on running track in the spring.
