By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
Washington’s group of young cross country runners battled in a six team meet on Tuesday and put up a good effort as the Pam Pack competed with West Carteret, Northside, West Craven, J.H. Rose and Southside.
West Carteret stole the show as it ran away with first place in both the boys and girls competition.
The Patriots boys dominated, as they took first, second and third place. Brandon Johan blazed through the Pam Pack’s course and finished with a time of 16:45, while Sauvey Pisano placed second with a time of 17:47 and teammate Riley Horn nabbed third with a time of 18:37.
In the girls’ meet, individuals from West Carteret took first and second, while a J.H. Rose runner grabbed third.
Tristen Briggs edged out her teammate for first with a time of 21:05, while Rebecca Gitten was right behind her coming in at 21:07. Rose’s Esther Fisher ran a stellar 21:20 to place third.
The Patriots tallied 16 points to win the boys’ meet, while Northside took second with 62 points, and the Pam Pack placed third with 73.
Bryant Fletcher led the Panthers as his time of 18:52 placed him 13th overall. Teammate Dillon Cadle placed 16th overall, as he ran a 19:57.
Brandon Sulc paced the Pam Pack with a time of 18:38, which was fifth best overall. Dylan Mizelle finished second for Washington, and 10th overall with a time of 19:04.
Chris Moore came in third amongst Washington runners (21:12, 27th), and was followed by Corey Waters (22:02, 36th), Boris Jankovic (22:10, 37th) and Will Lurvey (22:47, 41st).
Washington’ first-year coach Toby McMahon said he liked the effort by his runners.
McMahon said the running and leadership of Sulc has been important to the Pam Pack.
With only four runners, two boys an two girls, Southside competed with a small, young team but did well.
Chuck Guard, the lone senior ran a 21:42 to lead the Seahawks and was followed by Matthew Windley, who ran a 28:38.
On the girls’ side, freshman Kayla Peed led the Seahawks with a 32:45, and was followed by Katilyn Buck with 35:00.
The Patriots racked up 18 points in the girls competition to secure first place, and was followed by Rose who tallied 49, and Northside (78).
The Panthers’ Ashley Harris ran a gutsy race as she fought off back problems to lead Northside with a time of 25:17, and placed 16th overall. Harris’ teammate Jenna Payne ran a time of 28 flat to finish second for the Panthers and 30th overall.
Casey Lewis led the Pam Pack, and ran a 24:20 to place 13th. As a team, Washington finished with 85 points.
Shelby Nall (26:16, 22nd) followed Lewis and took second among the Pam Pack runners, and was backed by Brandi Hardison (29:24, 37th), Sarah Haser (29:25, 38th) and Marrisa Smith (30:23, 42nd).
After the race McMahon said he is happy with how his team has progressed this season.