Clovers have good run at Riverton Parke

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

MONTEZUMA -- The Cloverdale coed cross country team opened its season Saturday at the Riverton Parke Invitational.

Claudia Monnett led the Lady Clovers with a time of 23:12, good enough for third place. Finishing fourth for Cloverdale was Amillia Nally with a time of 23:16 and placing eighth was Nikki Routh with a time of 24:02.

Head coach Katie Mosley said she also got a great run from Cheryl Dean in a time of 28:41.

The boys' team finishes ninth overall, with Devon Nees leading the way with a time of 21:40. Freshman Aaron Whitlock was the second Cloverdale finisher with a time of 21:47.

Mosley noted the course was hilly and narrow, making it difficult to pass.

"I was very proud of the way the kids ran for the first meet of the season," Mosley said. "We have never run this course, but no one would have guess by our strong showing. Claudia made an excellent run for this meet. This meet was the first time she has beaten Amillia. Claudia trained very hard this summer and this run showed it.

"I couldn't be more proud of her," she added.

Mosley said all her girls ran a phenomenal race. She was also happy with the boys' results as well.

"We were without our No. 1 runner and so some of the other boys had to step up. Of our seven boys running, we had two freshmen and one runner who has never ran cross country.

"I couldn't stop smiling after the meet," she added. "This group of kids is capable of doing amazing things this season."