Cross Country Season Underway

Florence- The James Clemens cross country team brought home three trophies, and 21 personal records after competing in the Brooks Invitational held at McFarland Park in Florence. The event was the opening competition for the 2017 season.

With 30 schools participating, the Jets’ varsity girls took first place in the 5K meet. The boys finished third in the varsity competition. Both the boys and girls junior high (Liberty) squads took second place in the division’s 2-mile race.

The Lady Jets were led by Elizabeth Holcomb (fourth place, 20:31), Sam Burns (tenth place, 21:43), Sydney Freeman (eleventh place, 21:49) and Sarah Shirley (twelfth place, 22:30). The boys were led by Nicholas Holcomb (18:21), Elliott Kliesner (18:33), Garrett Nix (18:35), A.J. Sheldrick (18:45) and Korey Shively (18:54). Nikki Lipski led the Liberty girls (14:21) and Isual Rubio was tops for the Liberty boys (12:11).

“This was a good effort for us,” said Drew Bell, head coach of James Clemens. “I thought we’d get some good times individually, but never expected our team success, especially with the girls winning the varsity division.”

The Jets are made up of 21 girls and 40 boys. The one individual performance Bell took note of was the finish by Sydney Freeman. The eighth grader bypassed the junior high division and took to the varsity 5K race and placed eleventh overall and third for James Clemens. Bell said of his young star, “She did a lot of work this summer and just seeing her in this invitational I know she’s going to be really good for us.”

The Jets move into the 2017schedule with high expectations and Bell feels good about his squads. He added. “We’re hoping to peak at the correct time near the Sectionals. This team is dedicated and on the right track.”