Glacier Bears Cross Country runner Siyel George finished first overall in the 500 meters men’s race at home Saturday among competing 2A schools.
George finished in 17.44.
Mark Davis finished shortly after in 12 place with a time of 19:09. Sophomore Avery Williamson came in ninth with a time of 22:04. She was followed by Grace Long and Avari Getchell.
Starting and ending at the Fairgrounds, the course wound through the CIA trial system and the disc golf course behind the Fairgrounds. “There is a large range of terrain,” said Lydia Andriesen. “You go across rocks, pavement, and gravel. That keeps it interesting.”
Unlike most races, this one began in the afternoon due to the ferry schedule. For many racers, this delayed start threw off their pre-race meals. For Avery Williamson, this changed her pre-race mindset. “I really try not to get nervous…in this race I had more time to get nervous.”
For many Glacier Bears, it was the community support that pushed them to run faster.
“The crowed kept me going,” said George shortly after the race. “There was so much support! Home court advantage is a real thing.”
The pep band played while community members lined the start and finish lines.
For many racers, it was the team spirit that kept them going.
“When I’m tired I think, ‘hey the better I place the better my team will place.’ I don’t want to let them down” Said Avery Williamson.
“We are really supportive of each other but at the same time we are competitive and it makes us stronger,” said Carson Crager, referring to the competition to make the varsity team. “At the end of the day we come together as a big happy team.”
Yzella Miranmontes finished with a time of 30:29. “I remember getting two meters from the finish and I felt like a force to be reckoned with. I didn’t feel anything except the air rushing through my mouth.”
Race Results:
Women’s:
Avery Williamson: 22:04
Grace Long: 23:20
Avari Getchell: 23:25
Lydia Andriesen23:34
Marirose Evenden: 24:54
Sally Chapell: 25:21
Haley Boron: 25:27
Dori Getchell: 27:38
Yzella Miramontes: 30:29
Men’s
Siyel George: 17:44
Mark Davis: 19:09
Luke Davis: 19:12
Carson Crager: 19:37
Carver Culbeck: 19:39
Aric Miller: 19:46
Brennan Palmieri:20:26
Eric Gillham: 21:30
Izak Miller: 21:40
Phoenix Jacobson: 21:42
Eli Williamson: 22:20
Owen McPhetres: 22:59
Wesley Verhamme: 23:03
Dylan Chapell: 26:00
Jacob Weersasinghe