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Hornets compete with top teams at Rim Rock
By David Dinell
Last Updated: October 01, 2015

In the world of running, Rim Rock Farm near the University of Kansas is well known not only throughout the state, but the nation, too. With its twisting layout through woods and past ponds, it's a scenic run — complete with two covered bridges — and attracts runners from a multi-state area.

That was the case Sept. 26 as the Valley Center High School cross country team headed to the Lawrence Invitational at Rim Rock. Not only was the competition unlike anything it had encountered this season, so was the crowd. 

Thousands of people were at the event and each race had hundreds of entrants. The boys varsity alone had a massive field of 300 runners, a crowd that started in a large field and was quickly funneled into a narrow path, which demanded utmost attention from the athletes. 

"It was jammed-packed," said Coach Lonnie Thiessen, "and it took a long time to thin out." 

Thiessen was pleased with the Hornets' performance, especially on a demanding college-level course under warm and humid conditions. 

The girls placed sixth out of 40 teams, helped by solid runs from veterans and newcomers alike. Holly Smith finished in the top 50 in what was her first 5K of the season. 

"That was a big help to the team," Thiessen said.

The Hornets managed to place five runners in a tight position range from 28th to 64th, helping its scoring. 

While they are working hard, the boys were hurt by their youth and inexperience, Thiessen said. 

Thiessen was impressed with the way the top Hornet runner, Tyler Brown, worked through the crowd to notch his sub-20 minute performance. 

His 19:21 was one second off his season best. Also, Derek Barton and Braeden McKenney finished within two seconds of each other. The junior varsity field had a full roster of seven runners, which was its limit. 

In the girls' varsity 5K, it was senior Kalee Owens in 28th at 20:45, Karli Elsner in 39th at 21:00, Smith was 49th in 21:21, Maddi Breault was 61st in 21:39, Sydney Martens 64th in 21:40, Sarah Schaar was 111th in 22:34 and Tyler Francis was 195th in 24:04. Owens, Breault and Schaar all recorded personal bests. There were 230 runners in the race and Valley Center placed sixth out of 41 teams. 

In the girls' junior varsity 4K race, there were two runners. Maddy Elsner was 67th in 20:29 and Bailey Emig was 110th in 21:10. There were 190 runners in that event. 

In the boys' varsity 5K, it was Brown 221st in 19:21, Barton 265th in 20:18, McKenney 268th in 20:20, Jarett Barton 281st in 20:44, Chase LaMastres 287th in 21:02, Aaron Unruh 292nd in 21:17 and Asa Unruh 295th in 21:35.

McKenney set a season's best with his time. There were 300 runners in the event and Valley Center finished 40th out of 45 teams. 

In the junior varsity race, also a 5K, there were seven runners. Only times were reported, not placement.

Zach Janzen had a 21:25, Brandon McClure 21:37, Anthony Vance 22:10, Cole Ashcraft 22:59, Wesley Hager 23:39, Derek Foster 25:05. Michael Charvat was out with an injury. Foster, McClure, McKenney and Vance all recorded season's best times.    

Overall, Thiessen is satisfied with the season so far. "We're making progress," he said. "We need to get better and we're moving that way." 

The Hornets' next meet is the Newton Invitational at Centennial Park. They return to Lawrence and Rim Rock for the state championships Oct. 31. 






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