Pirate Runners Compete At Spartan Invitational

By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA

Moapa Valley Progress

Three runners from Moapa Valley High School represented their cross country team at the Spartan Pre-Region Invitational on Saturday. The event, which was held at Craig Ranch Park in Las Vegas, included nearly 400 participants from 23 area teams. A team of runners from Australia also ran in the Invitational.

The varsity boys took on the 5k course first. Green Valley’s Omar Rubio took overall first place at 16:15.1. Jerrick Stastny was the first from Moapa Valley to cross the finish line, taking 21st place at 17:37.5. Trevor Van Vliet completed the race at 20:14.8, earning 73rd place.

Coach Gary Watkins was pleased with these results. “Both did fantastic,” he said of Stastny and Van Vliet. “With performances like these right now going into the final month of cross country, the boys are positioned perfectly to qualify for state.”

In the junior varsity girls’ race, Team Australia’s Olivia Weston placed first in the event at 19:55.7. Lee Ann Perkins finished in 68th place for the Pirates with a time of 35:41.6.
“The girls are steadily improving,” was Coach Watkins’ comment. “We hope, as coaches, that this final month will prepare them as well for post-season racing.”

The MVHS cross country teams will be hosting the annual Kill Hill Challenge on Saturday, October 8 as part of the school’s Homecoming Week festivities. This community event will feature both a 1.5 mile fun run and a 5k course. It will also serve as the team’s fundraiser. Runners can sign up for the event through active.com or at Thursday’s Homecoming Assembly.