VWMS runners do well at Greenville

GREENVILLE — In a meet touted as being the second largest in the state, Van Wert’s Middle School cross country teams managed solid performances at the Greenville Treaty City Invitational this past Saturday. The boys’ team captured a fifth place finish out of 32 teams, while the girls’ team was seventh out of 30 participating teams.

The boys’ team was paced by Dylan Lautzenheiser, whose time of 12:43 earned him 32nd place.  Right on his heels were Thane Cowan in 41st (12:48) and Ryan Keber in 44th (12:50) places, while Tyler Nygren (51st in 12:59), and Jared Shaffer (56th in 13:05), rounded out the pack.  Sam Easley (60th in 13:09), and Cade Chiles (65th in 13:12) also contributed to the top seven.

Other Cougars running included: Nick Gutierrez, 75th; Nathan Murphy, 86th; Ben Scheidt, 124th; Max Sealscott 128th; Christopher Frank, 166th; Carter Eikenbary, 173rd; Stephen Hamblett, 190th; Noah Brubaker, 288th; and Brayden Cox, 291st.

Cassidy Meyers again led the charge for the Lady Cougars, finishing 18th overall in a time of 13:45. Natalie Riethman (24th in 13:56), Julia Springer (46th in 14:38), Larissa Laudick (72nd in 15:03), and Morgan Bracken (123rd in 15:54) also contributed to the team score. Rounding out the top seven, both with season best performances, were Iliana Ramon, (155th in 16:27), and Chloe Boroff (192nd in 17:11).

Also competing for the Lady Cougars were Kylee Bagley, 225th; Maggie Cripe, 244th; Nykee Billingham, 257th; Aimee Nicolai, 258th; and Gabby VanHorne, 265.