Findley Cannot Be Stopped; Ray-Pec Has First Two Sub-19
Blue Springs South senior Victoria Findley just continues to dominate. She took the lead early on at this year's Rim Rock Farm Classic and never looked back, rolling to an 18:12 season best and a 36 second victory. A 36 second victory at Rim Rock is one of those special victories that makes you wonder: "Can she be defeated? And if so, who is going to do it?" Next weekend, she will make the trip down to the Chile Pepper Festival in Arkansas in hopes of repeating last year's victory. Her 17:33 in Fayetteville is her personal best and, the way she's been running now, that personal best time could be in danger. Don't be surprised if there is a sub-17:30 next to her name as we head into October...
As for the rest of the race, Makenzie Stucker became the second Raymore-Peculiar girl to go under 19:00 this season. Not only that, but she did it on a day that was taking its toll on everyone on a tougher course than she has ran so far this season. The impressive race from Stucker was made even more impressive by the fact that she finished ahead of her teammate and C4 #2 Miranda Dick. Dick did not have a terrible day by any means as she was well within what she has ran this season - finishing 4th in 18:51. Stucker just had a better day. Liberty's Madelynn Hill was 5th overall on the day, running yet another sub-19 - 18:55. Park Hill South's Emma Roth had a noteworthy day as well as she finished ahead of Blue Springs South phenom Danielle Hotalling. The team race was dominated by non-Missouri teams, but Raymore-Peculiar was 7th, Blue Springs South came through in 9th, and Liberty North was the third best MO team in 11th.
In the Crimson division, Stacy Briggs of Truman showed that her recent run of success is not a fluke, but instead of a sign of a significant breakout. The junior ran 19:28 at the Independence City Championships, but has since confirmed her talents with a 20:00 in Baldwin and a 19:53 at Rim Rock. Hickman freshman Elizabeth Henderson was also strong on the day again as she was the second fastest Missourian in the race, coming across in 20:04. But, the biggest story out of the Crimson division was the team title won by Marquette. Anna Warren was their leader and the 3rd fastest Missourian with her 20:23 for 10th. Their team hasn't ran the fastest times as they sit 8th in District virtual rankings, but their racing prowess has shown through on the tough courses and it is hard to sleep on the Mustangs at the moment.
Logan-Rogersville and Smithville were the top 2 teams in the Blue Division. Mira Bannwarth was the top Missourian with her 21:31 for 11th. The Blue Division was mostly Kansas and Colorado teams with only a few Missourians sprinkled in.