GMS cross country runners start season in strong fashion

The Greencastle Middle School cross country teams began its season Thursday. Above, runners Ben Gellman (left) and Clayton Wilson (center) make their way up a hill during the opening meet of the season. Gellman went on to place first, while Wilson was third.

The Greencastle Middle School cross country team opened its season Thursday, with both squads performing well.

The girls posted a perfect score of 15 with Emma Wilson leading the way with a time of 12:49 to claim first place. Second place went to Seelye Stoffregen in a time of 12:59, with Katie Haynes placing third in a time of 13:10. Gracie Smith was fourth in a time of 13:47 and Sydney Lewis was fifth in a time of 13:59.

Fellow GMS runners Gretchen Weliever ran a time of 14:36 and Abigail King ran a time of 16:16.

The boys placed five runners in the top six, with Ben Gellman pacing the field with a first place time of 11:33. Clayton Wilson was third in a time of 11:42, with Jacob Crawley finishing fourth in a time of 12:32.

Cameron Lewis was fifth in a time of 12:59 and Jackson Kendall was sixth in a time of 13:13. Harrison McCarty ran a time of 13:20 and Justin Berish posted a time of 13:23.

Head coach Ivonne Martinez thought it was a great way to start the season for both teams.

"I think for the girls to start off the season with a perfect score of 15 is very promising," she said. "They are a dedicated bunch and I only expect improvement.

"The boys raced strong enough to qualify seven runners to state, (which is) only a month away. I am anxious to see how they'll surprise me next," she added.