– The Southeast Valley Middle School Cross Country team showcased their talent and teamwork at the annual Roland Story Invitational held on Thursday, September 26 at Riverbend Golf Course. Young athletes from various Central Iowa schools came together to compete in a thrilling 2-mile race, filled with determination and sportsmanship.

Under sunny skies, the Southeast Valley runners demonstrated impressive skills and stamina. The boys’ team finished in 6th place, marking a successful day for the program.

Leading the boys’ team was eighth-grader August Akins, who finished in 8th place with a season personal record time of 12:59:50. “The first mile felt really quick,” he said, “and the second mile was harder because there weren’t as many spectators in that area of the course to keep the adrenaline pumping.” Seventh-grader Griffin Vote also led the Jaguar pack taking 23rd with a time of 13:58:27.

The atmosphere at the meet was thrilling, with families and friends cheering on the athletes. The spirit of camaraderie was evident as runners from different schools encouraged one another, embodying the true essence of sportsmanship. The entire Jaguar team showcased many new personal records as they finished with pride and integrity. Standings out of 158 runners are as follows: 

Athlete    Grade Standing Time

August Akins (8)    8th      12:59:50 (SPR)

Griffin Vote (7) 23rd   13:58:27

Kasen Loeffler (8) 36th   14:20.43 (PR)

Jaxon Wilson (8)    41st     14:32.34 (SPR)

Jackson Bintz (8) 58th   14:54.31 (PR)

Ethan Martin (8) 80th   15:43:25

Grant Peterson (7)  86th      15:56:10 (PR)

Turner Ahlers (7)    90th    16:18:20 (PR)

Jake Wicklein (8)   104th    16:45:06 (SPR)

Eli Rude (8)        107th     16:47:05 (PR)

Brock Peterson (7)  114th     16:54.77 (PR)

Andrew Wanat (7)   126th     17:29:32

Jace Skoglund (7)   128th     17:36.03 (PR)

Joseph Ennenga (7) 129th     17:39.16 (PR)

Moses Cunigan (7)  137th   19:05.60 (PR)

Dominik Paterson (7) 140th     19:50.14 (PR)

Max Judson (8) 151st     21:33.95

Mason Newell (8)   153rd    22:02.82

Coach Lee and Coach Peterson praised the team for their efforts. “Our runners have shown tremendous growth already, and today was a testament to their hard work and improvement.” Seventh-grader Dominik Paterson, enthusiastically said, “I was able to jog the whole time time. This is the first time I didn’t walk at all!” Looking ahead, the Jaguars team is excited to continue their season with the upcoming Pocahontas meet on Saturday, October 5.