Schafer places in league race, Connell Invitational

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos cross country team began league competition with a Northeast 1B/2B League meet at the Colfax Golf Course on Sept. 18.

Linnea Schafer finished 14th in the 2.95-mile womens’ race with a personal record (PR) of 20 minutes and 43.08 seconds. Jordyn Fode completed the event with a PR of 34:45.75.

Sam Michels led the Broncos boys after he finished the mens’ race with a PR of 17:29.30 Eli Michels clocked in at 23:59.08, while Erik Hughes recorded 37.11.96, a PR for both athletes.

Head Coach Morgan Walker explained the Colfax meet allowed the team to run against competition they will face at districts in October. She was also impressed with how the athletes performed on the course.

After the league meet, the Broncos traveled competed in the Connell Invitational on Sept. 21.

Schafer finished 12th in the varsity girls’ 5,000-meter race with a PR of 21:58.8. Fode competed in the JV girls’ 5,000-meter race and finished in 38.16.17.

All four Bronco boys competed in the JV 5,000 meter race. Sam Michels finished 10th in 20:17.62, while Eli Michels clocked in at 24:01.77, a PR for both runners. Erik Hughes completed the race with a PR of 36:00.46 and Ethan Hughes finished in 39.27.48.

Walker said the Connell course was challenging for the Broncos, especially the hills. She was glad they gained experience in competing on a tough course.

The Broncos traveled to the St. John Golf Course on Sept. 25 to compete in a NE 2B South League meet.

Walker said the Broncos will continue to work on increasing their speed, especially when they are running on hills.

The athletes will also focus on improving their running pace and mile times.