by Malcolm Butler

A total of 271 boys and girls high school participants competed in the 2022 Wallace Martin Invitational hosted by Cedar Creek Saturday at Lincoln Parish Park.

“It’s always a pleasure to host our Wallace Martin Invitational and see so many children actively participating in this phenomenal sport,” said Creek head coach Craig Moss. “On a personal note it is an honor to celebrate Wallace and continue on his legacy of integrity, lover and honor. I want to thank all the Cedar Creek parents who helped the meet run so efficiently.”

Taylor Ramsey and Caroline James anchored the Lady Cougars as Cedar Creek finished as the runner up to Newman High School out of 23 teams on the girl’s side. Ramsey (20:55.94) finished third out of 118 competitors while Jame (21:16.40) finished 5^th.

Madison Morris (10^th – 21:40.73), Anna Grace Lee (15^th – 21:47.47), Catherine Mcadams (33^rd – 23:11.68), Leah Sutherland (38^th – 23:31.45) and Julianne Ensminger (40^th – 23:44.60) also had strong showings for the Lady Cougars.

Creek totaled 57 points, just edged by Newman’s 51 points.

“Our girls ran strong,” said Moss. “We are not where we want to be, but many of our runners have been battling back from upper respiratory infections so how they performed Saturday is outstanding. Taylor had a good morning and looked fresh when she finished. Anna Grace and Cat had a strong outing.  Leah and Julieanne are getting stronger each race, so I am pleased.”

Myles Carpenter Head and Ethan McCarthy both recorded top 10 finishes on the boy’s side to help the Cougars record a fourth place finish out of 26 total teams. Carpenter Head (17:19.61) finished sixth while McCarthy (18:15.97) finished 18^th.

Anderson Maxwell (27^th – 18:38.06), Connor Johnson (30^th – 18:43.59), Hayes Bridges (34^th – 18:56.41), Cole Morganthall (62^nd – 20:37.39) and Tate Farrar (64^th – 20:40.58) rounded out the Cougars runners amongst 153 boys competitors.

Creek totaled 105 points, to finish behind Mandeville (51), West Monroe (55) and Newman (86).

“I thought our boys were solid across the board and had our best overall team composite time this year,” said Moss. “They packed up run extremely well, and when they finished, they had gas left in their tank which is what I wanted to see. These guys are coming around and beginning to perform.”

The elementary school and middle school races were held on Friday with the Creek middle school girls capturing first place.

“We had an outstanding performance from Kendal Ramsey, AddieBel Brister, Georgia Dugdale, Kennedy Hall, Anna Malsam, and Hannah Satcher,” said Moss.

Boys Varsity Results

Mandeville                              51

West Monroe                          55

Newman                                  86

Cedar Creek                            105

Caddo Magnet                        162

Ruston                                     189

Natchitoches Central              198

West Ouachita                        240

Sterlington                              247

Loyola Prep                             247

Choudrant                               255

St. Frederick                            296

Downsville                              325

Haughton                                354

Lakeside                                  463

Delhi Charter                          471

St. Mary’s                                477

Girls Varsity Results

Newman          51

Cedar Creek    57

St. Frederick    85

West Monroe  98

Mandeville      101

West Ouachita 196

Haughton        198

Choudrant       210

Caddo Magnet 217

Castor              263

Glenbrook       277

Loyola Prep     298

Natchitoches Central  325

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