By Malcolm Butler
Caroline James and Myles Carpenter both recorded runner-up finishes in the individual competitions to help lead Cedar Creek’s girls and boys to team victories during Saturday mornings meet at The Gospel hosted by the Choudrant Aggies.
The Lady Cougars ran away – literally – from the rest of the competition, claiming the team competition with a team total of 33. St. Frederick (43) finished second followed by Choudrant (85), Haughton (87), West Ouachita (98) and Grace Christian (169).
“We had a wonderful morning,” said Creek coach Craig Moss. “Obviously, not ideal running conditions with the wet and humid conditions, but we got a good workout in.
“We will continue to build upon this meet but we are excited the season has begun. We have work to do across the board. We need to be closer in our times to one another, and I feel certain that will happen come late October and Into November. I am truly happy for the team’s success. Choudrant puts on a great meet. They have a difficult course that tests each runner, and we enjoy kicking off the season at the Choudrant Invitational.”
James joined teammates Taylor Ramsey and Madison Morris to finish second, third and fourth in the individual competition among 60 competitors while Anna Grace Lee finished 12th and Leah Sutherland 14th to round out the Lady Cougars who scored at the meet.
Catherine McAdams finished 15th and Julianne Ensminger 19th for the Lady Cougars.
“We had our top three runners from last year all have a good morning,” said Moss. “A few of the girls were a little under the weather and didn’t feel their best. We did not map out a race strategy whatsoever this morning for this meet.
“We wanted to see where they were and understand what we need to do going forward. I am excited for Leah and Cat (McAdams) who had a good start to the year. Our girls are incredible workers, and they are ready for a successful year.”
On the boys side, the Cougars left little doubt about who was the top team on Saturday morning, claiming the team competition with a total score of 35, easily outdistancing runner-up St. Frederick (89). Sterlington (91), West Ouachita (99), Choudrant (103), Grace Christian (139), Haughton (150) and Lakeside (204) rounded out the team scores.
The Cougars were led by Carpenter (2nd), Ethan McCarthey (4th), and Anderson Maxwell (7th) who all finished in the top 10 out of 67 total competitors. Hayes Bridges (13th) and Connor Johnson (14th) also scored at the meet for Creek while John Abram Earle (15th) and Jack Ensminger (19th) both just missed scoring for the Cougars.
“Myles had a great start to his Cedar Creek cross country career finishing 2nd,” said Moss. “He ran well and fluidly, and I am excited for him. Anderson had a good day as well. He has really had a good summer of workouts and appears ready to drop his times down.
“Ethan, Hayes, Connor, John Abram, and Jack rounded out our top seven boys. They are all poised to have a breakthrough year. I am truly happy for them this morning, but they will be the first to tell you that they are not satisfied and want to work harder.”
Moss also noted that the Creek boys and girls middle school teams also had a successful meet on Friday with the boys finishing first and the girls finishing second.
Girls Team Results (Total Points)
- Cedar Creek (33)
- St. Frederick (43)
- Choudrant (85)
- Haughton (87)
- West Ouachita (98)
- Grace Christian (169)
Cedar Creek Individuals
Name (Place) Time
Caroline James (2) 21:12.47
Taylor Ramsey (3) 21:25.29
Madison Morris (4) 21:44.85
Anna Grace Lee (12) 23:24.16
Leah Sutherland (14) 23:54.42
Catherine McAdams (15) 24:24.23
Julianne Ensminger (19) 25:10.97
Boys Team Results (Total Points)
- Cedar Creek (35)
- St. Fredericks (89)
- Sterlington (91)
- West Ouachita (99)
- Choudrant (103)
- Grace Christian (139)
- Haughton (150)
- Lakeside (204)
Cedar Creek Individuals
Name (Place) Time
Myles Carpenter (2) 17:30.38
Ethan McCarthy (4) 18:28.26
Anderson Maxwell (7) 19:01.48
Hayes Bridges (13) 19:46.08
Connor Johnson (14) 19:50.96
John Abram Earle (15) 19:52.29
Jack Ensminger (20) 20:58.08
