By: Head Coach, Ben Veloz
The Rosemary Clarke Middle School cross country team showcased a strong team effort on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Palo Verde Labor Classic held at Desert Breeze Park in Las Vegas. Athletes tackled an all-grass, 1.54-mile course divided into separate men’s and women’s races. Adding an extra challenge, runners had to contend with a lot of wet grass after unexpected sprinklers turned on right before the first race.
The competitive event drew large fields from around the region, featuring 141 finishers in the men’s race and 125 finishers in the women’s race.
Men’s Race
Seventh-grader Paul Clouser spearheaded the men’s race for Rosemary Clarke, placing 22nd overall with a team-best time of 10:57. Eighth-grader Ozias Ofseur followed right on his heels, taking 24th place in 11:00, within 3 seconds of the next two finishers to hold onto a top 25 finish. Both Clouser and Ofseur received medals for their top-25 finishes.
Mid-pack action featured a tight duel, as eighth-grader Conner Nelsen (79th, 12:51.5) edged out seventh-grader Edward Shemp (80th, 12:51.6).
Also completing the course for the men’s squad were eighth-grader Marzelo Nunez, sixth-grader Noah De Santiago, and eighth-grader Matt Cruz.
Women’s Race
Seventh-grader A’riyah Ruffin led the women’s race for Rosemary Clarke, placing 37th overall with a time of 12:53. Classmate Monica Littau was close behind, securing 42nd place in 13:11. Eighth-grader Sierra Eichner took 55th place at 13:37, while seventh-grader River Carson posted a 14:18 to place 66th.
Sixth-grader Delilah Haver came through in 77th place at 14:50. Seventh-grader Gracelyn Goodbeau and eighth-grader Sophia Maurillo earned 88th and 92nd place with times of 15:18 and 15:44, respectively. Sixth-grader Brooke Menjivar crossed 94th at 15:53, while eighth-grader Charlaine Maurillo notched 98th place in 16:12.
Rounding out the effort for the women’s team were Scarlett Blumer, Maddlyn Scott, Emma Fields, Abriella Oryem, Anabella Ramos, and Winter Perez, who all successfully completed the race.
“I am really happy with the team’s progress,” said coach Ben Veloz. “This was a first race for many of our runners and we will look forward to the next race in Boulder City on September 19th.”
