GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (Sept. 3, 2024) — The Excelsior Springs cross country team delivered strong performances at the XC Open Kickoff | Twilight Glow meet last Tuesday, hosted by Grain Valley High School. With multiple season-best times and top finishes, the Tigers showcased their grit in both the girls’ and boys’ races.
In the girls’ 2.1-mile run, Kirsten Stout led the way for the Tigers, claiming 10th place out of 52 runners with a season-best time of 14:39.00. Luna Bigham also delivered a solid performance, finishing 39th with a season-best time of 17:12.00, highlighting the progress of the girls’ team.
On the boys’ side, Excelsior Springs put on an impressive display, placing multiple runners near the top in a competitive field of 72 runners. Liam Hedding and Mac Morris were neck and neck, finishing 12th and 14th with times of 11:51.00 and 11:52.00, respectively, both season-best performances. Silas O’Dell followed closely behind in 19th place, clocking a season-best time of 12:21.00.
The depth of the boys’ team was further demonstrated by William Tade, who finished 38th with a time of 14:03.00, Conrad Purnell taking 41st with a time of 14:08.00, and Ivan Overfield securing 49th place with a time of 14:37.00. All three runners posted season-best times. Henry Lockwood rounded out the Excelsior Springs contingent, crossing the line in 69th place with a time of 21:30.00.
With these strong showings, Excelsior Springs cross country continues to build momentum. The team will next compete at the Marshall Invitational on Sept. 12, 2024, in Marshall, Mo., where they will look to keep improving.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
