Contending with tough teams on a muddy course, Manhattan High Junior Varsity cross country runners got the opportunity to run at the Varsity level during the Haskell Invitational last Saturday. In preparation for the upcoming League meet, the top Varsity runners for both teams took the week to prepare while J.V. runners stepped up to face three ranking teams at Lawrence. Despite both teams placing fourth overall, Coach Susan Melgares was proud of the J.V. runners who got the opportunity to run Varsity against tough opponents.

“Our kids were winning battles,” Melgares said. “We had a lot of kids running one on one, one-on-two battles and winning.”

The teams finished the day with the girls scoring 107 points at a 17:18.60 team average in their 3K and the boys team scoring 110 points at a 18.30.88 team average in the 5K race. Though they faced seasoned competition, the girls team managed to have four consecutive finishers in the top 25. Melgares described the race as a change of pace for people who normally run J.V.

“It gives them a chance to run in the front. It gives them a fresh start and some confidence to run in future races. But when you’re running against some of the best teams in the State with your J.V. it’s tough.”

The main focus of Manhattan High cross country this week is their postseason and the road to State. This Saturday’s League competition at Lake Shawnee has the team emphasizing a decrease in their pack times and knowing the course that they plan on running. The following week includes the Regional meet, which will be hosted at Warner Park in Manhattan, a big step in determining how they will qualify for State coming on Oct. 31 in Lawrence.