By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — While Watauga sophomore standout Cali Townsend (18:38.00) finished the 5K cross-country course more than two minutes ahead of her nearest rival, freshman teammate Josie Mayo (20:49.81), the Pioneers dynamic duo of underclassmen led a brigade of compatriots to a sweep of the first six finishing spots vs. visiting Hibriten on Sept. 17.
Senior Janie Beach-Verhay (20:50.34) crossed the finish line No. 3, followed by No. 4 Lainey Johnston, No. 5 Lilly Kimbrough, and No. 6 Nora Price before Hibriten junior Ama Higgs followed in 22:14.49.
With the top five finishers scoring from each team, Watauga secured the maximum, 15 points, vs. the Hibriten team total of 49 (placing 7-9-10-11-12), according to cross country’s unique scoring system. In actuality, Watauga captured 20 of the Top 21 places.
In the Men’s Division, the Pioneers recorded similar results, although the races were arguably tighter at the front. All five scoring Pioneers finished not only in the top five places, but less than a minute separated No. 1 from No. 5 in the 5K race. The Pioneers were led by Calvin Zwetsloot’s 17:29.58, followed by No. 2 James Bostrom (17:57.21), No. 3 Elliott Taft (18:16.34), No. 4 Zeke Walker (18:22.95) and No. 5 Levi Anderson (18:24.15).
FULL RESULTS – WOMEN’S DIVISION
FULL RESULTS – MEN’S DIVISION
