Hawks Fight to Ninth in Tough Cross Country Challenge at Williamsburg
BREAKING: The state-ranked Lynnville-Sully cross country teams faced fierce competition at the Williamsburg Invitational on September 26, 2023, finishing ninth in both the boys’ and girls’ races against a field filled with top-ranked teams.
This urgent event saw the Hawks contend with the best, as all top 10 girls’ teams and seven of the top 10 boys’ teams are state-ranked. Lynnville-Sully’s head coach, Darin Arkema, stated, “We wanted to come to this meet and use that competition to help us improve and finish September strong.” However, the challenging temperatures, lingering in the low to mid-80s, slowed race times on a typically fast course.
The L-S boys scored 241 points, placing them ninth overall. Notably, Colton Alberts, ranked 26th in Class 1A, achieved a personal milestone by finishing 15th individually with a time of 17:20.22. Teammate Blake Wilmesmeier followed closely, securing 25th with a time of 17:48.38.
In the girls’ race, Emma Parkinson led the Hawks in 38th place with a time of 21:28.53, while Mandeesa Vos secured 40th at 21:40.41. Other scoring runners included Breah Lowry (48th, 22:10.69), Peyton Sharp (51st, 22:13.73), and Isabelle Vos (87th, 23:47.53).
The boys’ title was clinched by Mount Vernon-Lisbon with just 40 points, showcasing their dominance with three finishers in the top seven. On the girls’ side, Pella took the top spot with 46 points, followed closely by Mount Vernon-Lisbon and Solon.
Coach Arkema praised his team’s efforts, saying, “A good job early to be up in the pack but stay controlled and disciplined.” He emphasized the mental challenges athletes face, stating, “It really is about finding a way to keep mentally engaged and win the battle over what signals the body is sending to the brain.”
As the season progresses into October, the Hawks aim to harness this competitive experience to strengthen their performances. With key races ahead, Coach Arkema is optimistic about improved focus and endurance.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for the upcoming events as Lynnville-Sully seeks to elevate their standings in upcoming meets. The dedication and resilience displayed by these young athletes make their journey one to watch.
This event at Williamsburg is a reminder of the fierce spirit of high school athletics, showcasing the determination and drive of young runners facing significant challenges on the course.
