Sarya Ross placed first in the senior girls division and led her Mouat team to victory at the Big Rock cross country meet held Thursday at Aldergrove Park. Despite undergoing a difficult practice on Tuesday, Ross had an even paced run to win with a time of 17:29 over a 4.5-k course that featured a number of steep hills. Ross was satisfied with her run and feels that she is ready to run well at the forthcoming championship meets.
Two other club athletes that are members of Mouat’s winning team were Callum Pilgrim (4th—18:07) and Alicia Unruh (5th—18:15). Pilgrim wasn’t entirely satisfied with her run and said she felt uncomfortable during the race while Unruh seems to be rounding into shape for the championship part of the high school season.
Delaney Chapman (Abby Traditional) had a good run and seems to be gaining the strength needed to be successful at cross country placed 19th (19:53).
In the Junior Boys 4.5-k race, Tanner Geary (Sardis) had a good run and placed fourth (16:46). Tanner, who much refers running track races over the 800 meter distance, was satisfied with his performance and feels he will be ready for the Fraser Valley meet.
Other performances by club members included Kate Sokolowski (Graham) and Erica Johnston (Abbotsford) who came 11th (19:01) and 19th (19:51) respectively in the junior girls 4.5-k run. In the senior boys race held over a 6.7-k course, Mouat runners Peter Mitchell placed 14th (24:18) and Aiden Bingert 15th (24:30).
Next week will be a busy one for Valley Royal cross country runners as on Wednesday they will compete at the Fraser Valley Championships followed by Saturday’s BC Athletics Club Championship. Both races take place at Abbotsford’s Clearbrook Park.