By Kyle Roberts
Ruston’s varsity cross country squads competed well at the 2022 Garmin Milesplit Invitational in Denton, Texas, Saturday morning for a chance to assess where the team is at as the postseason begins to come into view.
“We wanted to end September at a race that would really test us and show us where we were,” Ruston head coach Dustin Cochran said. “This race had everything you want. We got to see some of the best runners from Texas and Arkansas, as well as some great North Louisiana talent from Benton, Parkway, and Byrd. It was hot. The course was narrow and had tons of twists and turns, and it was very crowded. We went out conservative and fought our way through the crowd. We really got exposed to what real racing can look like. It’s so much harder to run in a crowd than on a course where you can dictate the pace and flow. We got exactly what we wanted today.”
The boys cross country finished fifth in the elite section with Bryar Madden leading Ruston’s pack with a 29th finish overall.
“We caught a bad break with our freshman Taylor Roller getting a little banged up, but he fought through and finished the race anyway,” Cochran said. “I was extremely impressed with the way all of the guys stayed even and closed hard. They caught a ton of people on the back side of the race. That’s what we will have to do in November to have any chance of getting on the podium.”
On the girls’ side, senior Lily Garrett and recent commit to the University of Tennessee finished ninth overall in the three-mile elite race. Overall, the girls finished eighth in the elite section.
“Lily has had a big few weeks,” Cochran said. “It’s nice to see her back on the course leading the girls. Parker Nations had another huge effort today. Sara Naff was incredible. Both of those girls PR’d in a big way even in the traffic. Our back end is getting healthier and learning every day. We’re excited about where we can get in November.”
Quick Stats
Girls Elite Race (3 mile times)
Lily Garrett 9th 18:30
Parker Nations 19th 18:48
Sara Naff 41st 19:21
Sydney Owens 80th 20:06
Zoie Holstead 119th 20:57
Hallie Hebert 154th 22:21
Maddy Parkman 161st 22:39
Boys Elite Race (3 mile times)
Bryar Madden 29th 15:51
Andrew McKaskle 39th 15:54
Thomas Rogers 47th 16:00
Landon Byrd 61st 16:12
Cole Maestrini 109th 16:45
Liam Lowe 112th 16:45
Taylor Roller 153th 17:06
