The Rosemary Clarke Middle School Sharks cross country team competed in their third race of the season at the Moapa Valley Pirate Invitational, held at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Moapa. The middle school race covered 1.86 miles and featured an elevation change of 74 feet.
The boys’ team had a strong showing with standout performances from their runners. Zander Thompson led the team with the fastest time of 12:18, and Kamdon Jones had a strong run, finishing in 13:26. Both Zander and Kamdon earned medals for their top finishes. Other notable times included Marzelo Nunez (17:13), Jaxson Castaneda (17:53), Mickey Satter (18:13), and Davin Gieni (19:36).
The girls’ team also had a successful meet with a number of excellent finishes. A’riyah Ruffin led the way, completing the course in 13:51. She was also the first 6th-grade finisher of the entire race, with a lead of almost a full minute over the next 6th-grade finisher. Coach Ben Veloz commented on her performance, saying, “A’riyah is quiet in practice but works hard. She just gets out there and gets it done. She will be a great competitor in the sport as she continues to grow.” A’riyah and Sierra Eichner (15:02) both medaled for their strong finishes. Other notable times for the girls’ team included Nai’La Myrick (17:13), River Carson (18:40), Delilah Quezada (19:35), Kenzley Pace (19:40), Sophia Maurillo (19:42), Brandie Blumer (19:50), Teagan Saunders (20:22), Charlaine Maurillo (20:52), Scarlett Quezada (23:06), and Emma Tallent (23:48).
The team will not have a meet this coming Saturday. Their next competition will be in Indian Springs on September 27th, where the race will be a full 2 miles.
