Kimball runners achieve personal records at Gothenburg

The Kimball Cross Country team had one of its most successful meets yet at Gothenburg on Thursday, Sept. 29, with many runners achieving personal records from a field of 210 runners.

Of 21 teams competing, Kimball took eighth place, according to coach Tiffany Johnson, who added that Brandon Barker led the pack for the boys, earning fifth place with a time of 17:03 – his new personal record.

Additionally, Zachery Wagner placed 26th with his new personal record of 18:06, Kaden Adrian hit his personal best with a time of 19:18, Garrett Pedersen finished with a time of 19:56, a personal record for him as well.

Teammate Joel Evertson finished in 20:07, followed by Nicholas Thomas-Lewis with a time of 20:23. Alex Flores reached his personal record with a time of 26:35 and Sebastian Portillo finished in 28:10.

“It was a really good day to run and our athletes did great,” Johnson said. “We placed eighth out of 21 teams. We are continuing to work hard in practice getting ready for our two conference meets this week.”

Kimball’s Junior High runners all reached reached personal best times in Gothenburg as well, including Christopher Barker, who complete the 2K in 13:20 followed by Gideon Casimiro with a time of 16:50.

The young ladies were led by Chantel Malson, in 26th place with a time of 12:22, with Caelyn Long finishing in 13:29 followed by Raven Johnson 13:55, Maddison Merryfield with a time of 14:12, Maddie Cook 14:34, Reese Spradling finished in 14:39, followed by Alycia Vrbas with a time of 17:56 and Melai Casimiro in 19:25.

Next up for the Longhorn runners is the SPVA meet in Grant today, Wednesday, Oct. 5, beginning at 2:30 p.m. followed by a meet here at home as Kimball hosts the Western Trails Conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at Four Winds Golf Course.

“Everyone should come out and cheer on our athletes and enjoy a good race,” Johnson said.