By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Cross Country team continues to impress this season, delivering strong performances at two competitive meets in back-to-back weekends.
Held at Broadford Lake Park and hosted by Southern Garrett High School, the Broadford Invitational saw 12 schools toe the line. Tucker County made its presence known with standout performances, especially from Estoria Chase, who led the Lady Mountain Lions by setting a new personal record of 21:38, earning her an impressive 3rd place overall in a field of 69 runners.
Senior Addi Moats also had a strong showing, finishing 14th with a time of 24:20, while Lilly Collar crossed the line at 32:07, placing 57th.
On the boys’ side, Tucker County’s team placed 2nd overall, scoring 80 points, just behind Keyser High School. Senior Lynk Suesli led the charge once again with a 5th place finish, clocking in at 17:47, while teammate Cameron Judy followed closely in 6th at 18:02.
Alex Collar contributed significantly with a 13th-place finish at 19:11, and Liam Gilligan ran a new PR of 20:09, placing 29th. Landon Wilfong followed at 20:20 for 31st, and freshman Draven Bunnell also set a new PR at 20:35, finishing 35th.
A week later, Tucker County traveled to Braxton County to compete against 16 other schools in the No Excuses Invitational. Once again, Estoria Chase led the Lady Mt. Lions, matching her podium finish from the previous week with another 3rd place result, finishing the race in 23:00 flat.
Addi Moats secured 13th place with a time of 26:25, and Lilly Collar rounded out the girls’ efforts in 40th place at 37:58.
The boys faced another competitive field and earned 3rd place overall, finishing behind Lincoln High School and Doddridge County. Suesli stayed consistent with a 5th place finish at 19:12, while Judy remained close behind, placing 7th at 19:30.
Alex Collar notched another 13th place finish with a time of 20:03. Gilligan placed 24th at 21:29, and Bunnell crossed at 23:03, finishing in 44th.
The Mountain Lions will look to continue their strong season next weekend at the Grafton Bearcat Invitational, scheduled for Saturday, September 20th at West Taylor Elementary School.
