By David Rogers. KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — A pair of seventh graders served as bookends to eight graders on Oct. 22, at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, and Watauga’s Cali Townsend was one of those top finishers.
While seventh grader Kaitlin Estep, running for club team Without Limits Triangle, finished the two-mile cross country course in 11:51.58 to take top honors, Watauga’s own middle school seventh grade threat, Cali Townsend, captured fourth place out of 88 runners — just 13 seconds out of the state title position, in 12:04.35. In between were two eighth graders, Caitlin Kasten running unattached in 11:55.98 and Tatum Snow (12:01.30), representing High Point Blaze, another club team.
Other top finishers for Watauga in the girls division included Maggie Visser (20th, 13:10.57), sixth grader Sophia Stull (24th, 13:11.49), Lily Kimbrough (29th, 13:26.22), Lainey Johnston (33rd, 13:38.56) and Noelle Bollman (34th, 13:39.85). Rounding out the top Watauga runners was Carrie Bradbury (46th, 14:06.95).
Of the North Carolina middle school teams competing, Watauga placed second behind Marvin Ridge Middle School, although fourth overall behind Without Limits Triangle (1st), Marvin Ridge (2nd), and Run Cabarraus (3rd). While a number of individuals competed that were not affiliated with a team, Watauga was one of 19 full teams competing.
