An early start this morning as we got up 5:30am left the house at 6:00am, arrived at SIU-Carbondale 7:10am and the races were on at 8:00am and 8:30am as The Woodlawn Cardinals cross country team would tackle the rugged and true cross country course on the campus of SIU Carbondale at The Carbondale High School Invitational.
Sr Zelena Koch raced well battling in the top pack for the first 2 miles as she would eventually finish with another medal in 9th place sliding into the Top 10. Her 1st Top 10 finish of her senior year. Her sister Freshman Zaylor Koch made a strong effort for a medal (Top 20) but came up just short placing 23rd. She battled hard despite dealing with a heel blister throughout the race.
In the Boys Varsity race it was Freshman Camden Hughes who battled the early heat and humidity to run another strong race. Hughes would better his time from Wednesday’s Murphysboro Invitational by 7 seconds today on a much tougher and longer course, as the SIU course today would measure over 3 miles and nearly a true 5K. (3.08mi). Hughes would finish 28th place overall with a strong showing for the Freshman!
It was once again less than ideal conditions for cross country racing this morning as the heat and humidity continues to play a factor in this early XC season! The Cardinal runners aren’t ones for excuses. They have just been going after it and competing hard and continuing to fight through to improve each race! Great job Woodlawn Cardinals!
