The Pahrump Valley High School cross country team took a relaxed approach to its final mid-week meet of the season, running together and enjoying a shorter course at the Sierra Vista Weekday race at James Memorial Park on Tuesday October 13.
The 2.5-mile race fell on the Trojans’ scheduled recovery run day, so the team treated the meet as practice, with no runner competing at full speed. The afternoon provided an opportunity to stay active and spend time together while continuing preparations for the upcoming Regional meet.
Before the races began, Sierra Vista’s student council honored seniors from each participating team, presenting them with posters and well wishes for the remainder of their season. The recognition added a celebratory touch to the Trojans’ final weekday outing.
In the boys’ race, Pahrump’s leading runners stayed in a cluster and crossed the finish line together. Joaquin Flores, Josh Gent, Logan Tilley and Daniel Thompson each recorded a time of 18 minutes, 53 seconds. Manny Dupart, Juan Carlos Rodriguez and Zander Thompson followed at 18:54, keeping the group within a second of one another. Tanner Johnson and Isaiah Veloz also completed the course for the Trojans.
The girls took a similar approach, with Sophie Romero and Ava Bowers finishing together in 20:31. The next group of Trojans also stayed close throughout the run, posting finishing times just seconds apart.
Anjolina Mercado finished in 23:08, followed by Addi Nelsen in 23:09 and Rosie Miller in 23:10. Ella Odegard and Kimberly Trejo each recorded a time of 23:11, with Arianna Roberts finishing in 23:12 and Alexis Clouser in 23:13. Tianna Beaver also ran for Pahrump.
With the emphasis on recovery rather than race pace, the finishing times reflected the team’s planned approach to the afternoon. Running together gave the Trojans a chance to enjoy the meet while maintaining their training routine during the closing weeks of the season.
Pahrump will return to competition on Friday, Oct. 16, at Wild Horse Golf Club in Henderson, with racing beginning at 7 p.m. The Trojans continue working toward Regionals on Friday, Oct. 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, carrying their focus into the final stretch of preparation.
