Pirate Girls Team Qualifies For State

By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley High School (MVHS) Cross Country teams dominated the southern 3A region all season. They took win after win and even broke a few school records along the way.

This success carried over into the regional championships on Friday, October 26 when Pirate runners met at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City to test their skills and vie for positions at State.

A recent knee injury, ineligibilities from some key team members, and other hindrances placed a strain on the Lady Pirate team. Nonetheless, the girls pushed through with some standout performances.

Freshman Emma Humes and Senior Shelby Olson took off from the pack and led the race from the very beginning. Humes ultimately pushed ahead for a first place victory at 20:55, winning the regional title. Olson came in second place with her time of 21:25, beating Valley High School’s Friday Reyes by a noteworthy 26 seconds.
“I just really wanted it, so I was going to do everything I could to get first place,” commented Humes. “It felt amazing!”

Other competitors from Moapa Valley included Hannah Watson, 24:02; Samantha Thompson, 25:06; Laura Adams, 25:47; Alexa Canfield, 26:54; and McKinley Bledsoe, 28:31.

The girls placed second overall, falling just behind Boulder City. The seven Lady Pirates will return to Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, November 3 to battle it out for State.
“We’re taking a girls’ team to State for the first time in who-knows-how-long,” said Coach Heather Humes. “That is definitely something to celebrate. We are going to celebrate all the way!”
“I’m really proud of not only Emma but the entire team,” said Olson, a senior. “Everyone pushed their limits today. Things are looking good for state!”

In the boys’ race, Preston Humes stayed with the leading cluster of Valley competitors for the entire race. He ultimately placed fourth with his time of 18:00. First place finisher Christian Franklin finished at 17:05.

Other Pirate finishers included Bryton Dorsey, 18:32; Jerrick Stastny, 19:09; Max Shambaugh, 20:11; Preston Bushman, 21:08; Colton Ruff, 22:27; and Alex Villezcas, 24:27.

The boys placed fourth overall, narrowly missing the cutoff for State. The top three boys from MVHS: Humes, Dorsey, and Stastny, will all continue to the State competition this week.
“There were some struggles today, but more than anything, it was a victory,” commented Coach Humes.

“Even from those who struggled today, I saw a lot of heart. I saw a lot of dedication and a lot of inspiration. They inspire me. They keep working, even when it’s hard. We can’t ask for much more.”
Pirate Cross Country will advance to State this Saturday, November 3.