Skeens first at Wright

The Sundance Cross Country team traveled to Wright to compete Saturday, Sept. 19. Despite the heat, the Bulldogs pulled through to claim several top spots in the contest. 

Senior Hunter Skeens placed first in a time of 17:46 and freshman Rylie Marchant placed third in a time of 24:10.

Although Skeens claimed the top spot, he noted the air quality and concrete course took a toll on his pace and overall time; however, he still ran under 18 minutes in the race. 

Sophomore Kort McLaughlin and freshmen Deklan Gill and Jordan Mouat also competed in Wright.

Eighth-grader Angel Villegas took first place in a time of 10:02 in the junior high boys division. Villegas ran 1.7 miles to claim his first-place finish.

Villegas has earned top spots in several competitions throughout the season. Each race, Villegas has shaved splits and shown determination to push at the end to keep his first-place spot. 

“I really enjoyed the course. It was flat, but it had a hill that really helped me get some speed and stay in first,” Villegas said. 

Villegas’ push in the last 200m also kept him ahead of his competition.

“Our athletes are truly rising to the occasion despite a number of challenges being thrown at them this year,” said Bulldog coach Ann Marie Mickle. “Coach Jungwirth and I will continue to push the team to do their best while having some fun along the way.”

Athletes are setting new goals in relation to time and pacing. Runners also have taken to some new trails to build speed and endurance, which will be key in placing high at the state meet Oct. 24. 

The Bulldogs’ next meet is the Sundance Invitational on Friday, Sept. 25. Mickle and Jungwirth invite the community to come support the Bulldog runners.

The races begin at 9 a.m. at the Sundance Country Club and golf course. The home competition also will recognize senior runners Hunter Skeens and Josh Pridgeon. 

“Our senior runners have worked incredibly hard and their encouragement toward the younger runners is admirable,” Mickle said. “It’s been a joy for Coach Jungwirth and I to work with both Hunter and Josh during their final season as Bulldog runners.”