Boys Cross Country Competes at Wooster Invitational

The Steele boys cross country team had a strong showing with lots of improvement at the Wooster Invitational on Saturday, September 6th. Competing against a deep field, the varsity squad placed 14th out of 22 teams.

Leading the way was senior Matthew Walker, who cracked the top 40 with a time of 16:54.2(36th). Freshman Jackson Strawn followed in 17:23.3 (59th), with senior Asa Nicely close behind in 17:32.2 (67th). Sophomore Cale Millerran 17:54.2 (88th), and sophomore Nolan Cislocrossed in 18:01.6 (96th). Freshman Carter Banyas was right on his heels at 18:01.7 (97th). Rounding out the varsity scoring were junior JJ Gedling at 19:01.0 (150th) and sophomore Elias Nicely at 19:11.7 (158th). The varsity race featured 197 total runners.

In the JV race, junior Nicholas Lauer led the Comets in 18:50.4 (59th), followed by senior Paul Cherney in 18:55.6 (65th). Freshmen Owen Cooksey (19:59.6, 143rd) and Chase Lahetta(20:01.2, 148th) worked together through the middle of the race, while junior Elijah Bonillafinished in 20:37.0 (201st). Sophomore Zyden DeMercurio (21:03.3, 239th) and freshman Hayden Cuevas (21:49.5, 286th) rounded out the squad. The JV race included 410 total runners. Freshman Hayden Cuevas earned recognition as the team’s most improved runner, cutting over 90 seconds from his previous best.

The meet gave the Comets valuable experience and momentum as they prepare for the next stretch of the season. The team will compete next at the Spartan Invitational on Saturday in Boardman, Ohio.