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Both the Rockbridge County High School boys and girls cross country teams won the Page County Invitational, with their top runners earning individual victories on Thursday evening in Shenandoah.
RC freshman Preston Spangler won the boys’ race, completing the hilly 5-kilometer course in a new course record of 17 minutes, crossing the line 1:09 before the runner-up from Page County. For the RC girls, senior Deena Ludtke won in 20:26, finishing 1:35 ahead of the runner-up from Page County.
The RC boys scored 29 points to take the team title, while Page County placed second of three teams with 40 points, and Madison finished third with 61 points. In the girls’ race, RC won with 19 points, while Madison finished second with 36 points.
The RC boys’ second finisher was Alexander Miller, placing third of 34 harriers in 18:54. Also cracking the top 10 for the Wildcats were Tyler Ludtke (seventh, 19:41), Blake McClung (eighth, 19:42) and Trenten Cash (10th, 19:52). Completing the Wildcats’ top seven were Fisher Howald (11th, 20:02) and Sammy Eastwood (12th, 20:03).
In the girls’ race, the Wildcats’ second finisher was Dorothy Lewis, placing third of 30 harriers in 22:33. Teammate Nicole Black followed in fifth in 23:15, while Brooke Eichelberger finished sixth in 23:34. Teammate Anna Nye also cracked the top 10, placing eighth in 23:58. Completing the Wildcats’ top seven were Kate Holston (15th, 26:20) and Cassandra Silver (18th, 27:20).
Pleased by her runners’ performances, RC head coach Julie Tisone said, “All did well.” She called the meet a “big confidence booster.”
The full individual results from the races were not available.
Today, Wednesday, the Wildcats will compete in the Metro XC Championships in Blacksburg, with the girls’ varsity race at 4:45 p.m., followed by the boys’ varsity race at 5:30 p.m.
The Wildcats will then prepare for the Valley District meet next Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Grottoes Town Park.
