Gainesville XC competes at Nixa; Archer Luna sets new Gainesville school record
Times photo/Jenny Yarger Gainesville High School cross country runners competed at the Nixa Invitational Saturday, Oct. 4. Every runner recorded either a personal best or season best time at the race, and junior Archer Luna set a new all-time Gainesville High School record with his performance. Members of the team are, from left, Sierra Jarvis, Faith Avila, Sarah Klessig, Kaitlyn Kahl, Zeke Yarger, Cayden Emrick, Zaiden Rodrigue, Zyler Rowland, Jessica Suit, Archer Luna, Damion Goss, Annabell Snelson, Isabelle Workman, Nina Sponaugle, Orion Bradley, Jazlynn Wittkofski, Ashton Young and Rachyl McGinnis.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Gainesville High School cross country teams turned in an incredible performance at the Nixa Invitational, where 16 schools from Classes 1-5 competed. “Every Gainesville runner recorded either a career-best or season-best time — a remarkable team accomplishment that reflects their commitment and drive,” said GHS Coach Gary Emrick.
Leading the way for the boys varsity, Archer Luna set a new all-time Gainesville High School record, running the 3.1-mile race in 18:00.00, placing 13th overall and 4th in the Class 1–3 division. His performance propelled the boys’ team to a third-place team finish in the Class 1–3 division. “Nice work to the entire team and a special note of congratulations to Archer on his tremendous accomplishment,” Emrick said.
The varsity boys results are as follows: Archer Luna, junior, 18:00.00; Cayden Emrick, freshman, 19:21.58; Danny Mason, sophomore, 21:05.69; Zaiden Rodrigue, sophomore; 21:05.96; Danion Goss, senior; 22:56.36; Zyler Rowland, sophomore, 22:58.88; and Zeke Yarger, senior, 24:16.97.
The girls varsity team also had a phenomenal showing and finished in third place. Sophomore Jessica Suit led the charge, finishing third overall (first in the Class 1-3 division) in a competitive field of runners. Kaitlyn Kahl also received an individual medal with a 16th-place overall finish. “These girls demonstrated resilience, depth and consistency and are steadily climbing the Class 2 state rankings,” Emrick said. “Pay attention – this team has a real opportunity to do something special as they head down the stretch.”
The varsity girls results are as follows: Jessica Suit, sophomore, 20:26.00; Kaitlyn Kahl, senior, 21:53.82; Annabell Snelson, freshman, 23:47.98; Sarah Klessig, senior, 25:09.44; Isabelle Workman, freshman, 25:52.27; Nina Sponaugle, freshman, 25:54.48; Sierra Jarvis, freshman, 27:51.61; Faith Avila, senior, 28:09.46; Rachyl McGinnis, freshman, 29:07.41; and Jazlynn Wittkofski, freshman, 30:35.15.
In the junior varsity boys’ race, both runners showed improvement, Emrick said, posting significant personal records that reflect their hard work and desire to reach the next level. Freshman Orion Bradley ran his race in 27:00.57, and junior Ashton Young finished in 28:31.28.
The Bulldogs will compete in Conway on Thursday, Oct. 9.