Runners earn first conference medals

It's been a season of firsts for the Summerland cross country squad.

First year of competition.

First time medal winners.

And, on Oct. 9, first time Niobrara Valley Conference medalists.

The girls' team finished third in conference competition, scoring 46 points, while the boys' team ended sixth, accumulating 72 points.

Kaci Wickersham ended fourth in the girls' race, completing the Antelope Country Club course in 21:58.

Adrienne Parker ended 12th, running 25:52. Lauren Behnk placed 18th, crossing the line in 29:13, while Morgan Erhardt ran 29:21 to place 19th. Elly Herley finished 22nd, running 31:29.

Eli Thiele placed third in the boys' race. Thiele ran 19:10 en route to the medal stand.

David Arroyo ended 15th, running 21:17. Alex Thiele ran 23:14, finishing 21st. Tyler Hupp ended 28th, running 27:53.

Since the meet, the team has been preparing for Thursday's district race, scheduled for a 4 p.m. start, at Rolling Hills Golf Course, near Wausa.

Coach Jamie Turpin said, "We will go in with fresh legs, positive minds, and maybe a couple nerves. Hopefully we will be able to qualify some kids with all the drive that they have."

Turpin said district competition will be tough, but Summerland has "some tough kids who want to accomplish a goal."

"State is our overall goal and this is what we have been working for since day one at conditioning. Overall, I couldn't ask for a better team to go through this first year of cross country ever as the Summerland Bobcats," Turpin said.