By Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek’s varsity boys claimed the top spot at the CE Byrd Invitational at the South Bossier Sports Complex Saturday morning.
While the Cougars were claiming first on the boys side, the Lady Cougars had an impressive showing of their own, finishing as the runner up to the host Yellow Jackets.
“It was a gorgeous morning and the temperature set up well for running well this morning,” said head coach Craig Moss. “Our runners were excited to run the same course as they ran earlier in the year. I feel it is a great mental course that will help prepare them mentally for our state meet.”
Myles Carpenter Head (17:03.3) and Ethan McCarthy (17:26.2) finished fifth and sixth overall in the individual competition as the Cougars totaled 60 points, besting runner-up Loyola Prep (68 points). Anderson Maxwell (11th/ 18:00.5), John Abram Earle (17th/ 18:38.3) and Connor Johnson (21st/ 18:49.8) all scored for the Cougars in the meet.
“Ethan ran an incredibly smart race, running negative splits, and finished strong,” said Moss. “Anderson ran a PR this morning and is having a tremendous year. I am so happy for him and the time and effort he is putting in.
“It is great to have John Abram back, healthy and running well. Our boys were solid across the board and had our best overall team composite times for the second week in a row. They packed up run extremely well. These guys are getting stronger each and every week.”
On the girls side, Caroline James (5th/ 20:29.5), Taylor Ramsey (6th/ 20:31.3) and Madison Morris (8th/ 21:15.8) all recorded Top 10 finishes to pace the Lady Cougars to the second-place team finish. Anna Grace Lee (11th/ 21:58.6) and Catherine Mcadams (13th/ 22:24.9) also scored for Creek, who defeated eight other varsity teams.
“Our girls ran stronger today and it was good to see Caroline rebound and run stronger,” said Moss. “Madison also rebounded nicely as she and Caroline are both rebounding from upper respiratory illnesses. They are getting stronger and happy for them. I believe they have some great low times ahead of them.
“Cat also had a tremendous outing, and I am so proud of her. She is getting better every week. A few of our girls are still suffering from upper respiratory infections so how they performed was outstanding. We also had homecoming this past week, so I know they were a little tired. Leah and Julieanne had their best times of the year, and I am glad to see them running so well.”
Moss also said the Creek middle school girls and boys both finished second this weekend in their respective meets, citing strong performances from Kendal Ramsey (2nd overall), Georgia Dugdale and Kennedy Hall (both top 10 finishes) on the girls side, and Luke Alexander (1st) and closely by teammate Joshua McCarthy (2nd).
Varsity Boys
Cedar Creek 60 points
Loyola Prep 68 points
Natchitoches Central 100 points
Parkway 106 points
Choudrant 109 points
Caddo Magnet 109 points
Captain Shreve 130 points
Huntington 247 points
Cedar Creek Varsity Boys
Myles Carpenter Head 5th 17:03.3
Ethan McCarthy 6th 17:26.2
Anderson Maxwell 11th 18:00.5
John Abram Earle 17th 18:38.3
Connor Johnson 21st 18:49.8
Hayes Bridges 24th 19:21.6
Cole Morganthall 27th 19:53.6
Tate Farrar 20:58.5
Clayton Towns 21:19.8
Gabe Garcia 21:45.3
Jack Ensminger 21:49.5
Tanner Andrews 21:55.5
Varsity Girls
Byrd 19 points
Cedar Creek 43 points
Choudrant 87 points
Glenbrook 125 points
Caddo Magnet 127 points
North DeSoto 191 points
Loyola Prep 191 points
Claiborne Christian 238 points
Natchitoches Central 241 points
North Webster 250 points
Cedar Creek Varsity Girls
Caroline James 5th 20:29.5
Taylor Ramsey 6th 20:31.3
Madison Morris 8th 21:15.8
Anna Grace Lee 11th 21:58.6
Catherine McAdams 13th 22:24.9
Julianne Ensminger 18th 23:06.4
Leah Sutherland 20th 23:22.5
Audrey Barro 24:10.3
Madeline Kneeland 24:21.0
Lauren Enterkin 25.32.8
Lindsey Osafo 27:18.4
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