Banner County runners meet and exceed record times

At their third meet of the season, in Bridgeport, the Banner County cross country runners continue to find their stride and are matching, or beating, their personal records.

The lone Banner County Junior High runner, Nathan McGowan, ran a personal best and was just one place shy of medaling at the Bridgeport meet, held on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Following that meet, coach Kari Gifford said that her newest runner, Kathryn Blankenship, continues to improve her time and earned another personal best.

Blankenship is determined to improve with each event, Gifford said.

Teammate Lily Teeple matched her time from the beginning of the season at Bridgeport as well and is also focusing on consistent improvement.

The more seasoned Lady Wildcat, Cheyanne Knisley, was unable to finish the race due to continued knee injuries,.

“She was, of course, disappointed,” Gifford added.

Deven Sullivan, the sole boy on the high school roster, ran a new personal best at Bridgeport and his efforts placed him second in the meet just three seconds behind the leader.

The Wildcats followed Tuesday’s success with more in Alliance on Saturday, Sept. 15.

McGowan earned a new personal best and placed 39th in the junior high boy’s division.

Teeple and Blankenship ran in the junior varsity division and they each made new personal records by significant amounts, according to Gifford. Teeple finished in the 11th spot and Kathryn in the 21st.

“They were motivated and driven to reach their goals and surpassed my expectations,” Gifford added.

Knisley ran Saturday as well, in the varsity division and earned a season record time, finishing in 26th place.

“This was especially meaningful coming off a disappointing meet at Bridgeport where she was unable to finish the race,” Gifford said.

Deven ran in the varsity division as well, also earning his personal best and placing third at the meet.

“Hopefully their success on Saturday will continue to be a motivating factor as they push to improve this last half of the season,” Gifford concluded.