High school regional XC meet Oct. 30 at Victor Ashe Park; Catholic, Webb runners aplenty at KIL top
The two-time defending state champion Farragut Admirals boys cross country team looks to tune up for the state meet next week, hoping to have multiple qualifiers — as do the FHS Lady Admirals and boys and girls teams from Hardin Valley Academy and Bearden — during Section 1-AAA meet at Victor Ashe Park starting at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Nine of the top 10 boys varsity finishers at the recent KIL meet on Cherokee Boulevard Saturday, Oct. 19, were Farragut area runners — as expected led by Knoxville Catholic senior Keegan Smith, completing the 3-mile course in first place at 14:52.11.
Gabe Allen, HVA senior, took second place (15:08.05), followed by Farragut senior Evan Beeler (15:22.85) and KCHS Irish junior Radek Molchan (15:24.90).
Rounding out the top five was Josh Hunt, HVA Hawks senior (15:32.96). Admiral senior Tanner Coggin placed sixth (15:36.62) followed by three Catholic runners rounding out the top 10: sophomore Cade Duncanson (15:41.81), senior Tony Ortega (15:48.77) and freshman Reid Bannister (15:56.75).
The varsity girls also placed nine of the top 10 locals, led by champ Jazzlyn Garmer, a junior, from Webb School (17:30.38). Following were Webb junior Carolina Areheart (17:53.98), HVA sophomore Alexandra Vesser (18.29.08), Webb junior Calysta Garmer (18:47.63), KCHS freshman Livi Ray (19:10.84), Lady Irish freshman Caitlin Daniels (19:19.68), Webb sophomore Ariana Vargas (19:32.17), HVA sophomore Ana Berkheimer ninth (19:45.36) and KCHS freshman Drew Gerken (19:52.81).
