Owosso Cross Country gritted out another hot, hilly Holly Invitational. Today was less about reaching PR times, like the 13 team performances at last week’s race. Rather, today was more about developing the mental toughness necessary for big upcoming races. All 3 Owosso medalists had strong come-from-behind races. Mirranda Libbey came through Mile 1 in 31st place, but finished 7th. Jorden Sowash started in 6th and crossed the line in 3rd. Finally, Mason Collard was as far back as 48th, but managed to pull out a 12th place finishing position. Furthermore, we are, again, excited to see that our 6th to 12th place male runners continue battle for those final Varsity positions. Coach Holtsclaw and I were impressed to see some runners show some true mental toughness. With the encouragement of teammates, Jack Smith epitomized this spirit by pushing through heat exhaustion, to ensure that he finished the race no matter what. We look forward to seeing times continue to drop as temperatures begin cooling.

Boys’ Team Results (18 teams, Top Finisher:  Fraaza, Gull Lake, 16:45)

1st Royal Oak, 62 points

9th Owosso, 243 points

Owosso Results 

3rd Jorden Sowash (medalist), 16:55

12th Mason Collard (medalist), 18:15

Connor Spencer, 20:03

Tyler Arriaga, 20:18

Connor Madsen, 20:58

Ben Welz, 23:04

Girls’ Team Results (13 teams, Top Finisher: Scheske, Sturgis, 19:17)

1st Gull Lake, 78 points

13th Owosso, 307 points

Owosso Results 

7th Mirranda Libbey (medalist), 20:41

Emily Summerland, 25:43

Claire Drake, 27:23

Autumn Weir, 28:22

Lynnae Gilman, 28:34

Lauren Skinner, 28:39