Different location, same result for the Bridgeport High School boys’ cross country team.

 

On Saturday, the Indians took the lengthy trip to compete in the Berkeley Invitational at Warm Springs Elementary School and dominated the 14-team field to continue their streak of wins against Class AA and A opponents going for the second straight season. BHS finished with 37 points, which was well ahead of the 93 points by runner-up Philip Barbour and the 114 of host school Berkeley Springs.

“The boys had several issues going into the race.  Ian Frailey had way too much breakfast and Jimmy Lacaria was nursing a sore back.  Still the boys continue to do what they do best, run as a team.  We had our first five in the top 12,” said Griffith.

Leading the way was senior Michael Duez who was fourth overall with a time of 17 minutes, 44 seconds. He was followed by Ian Frailey in sixth (17:50), Timmy Kinney in seventh (18:00), and Jimmy Lacaria in eighth (18:04).

 

Troy Pallay (18:21) and Drake Bolle (18:30) were 12^th and 14^th, respectively. Rounding out the group that produced the top seven finishers was Jacob Bice (18:59) in 22^nd place. A total of 95 runners competed.

 

“Michael Duez continues his outstanding season.  Michael has worked harder than he ever has in the off season and he continues to show the benefit of that hard work,” said Griffith. “Jimmy and Ian, although not at their best, ran with great determination.”

 

Standout Arryn Tennant returned to  compete, but he competed in the junior varsity event to get his legs back under him at the direction of Griffith.

 

“It was great to see Arynn Tennant running again.  He was well in front of the pack in the jayvee race, so it wasn’t really indicative of where he really is in his training.  It was just good to have him back out there,” the coach said.

 

The girls finished fourth on the day. Hampshire High School was the winning team, while the host school finished in second.

 

Savannah Blythe (23:54) was the top finisher coming in 31^st place. Bailey Campbell (23:58) was right behind in 33^rd place for the Indians. It was Bailey’s second best time ever.

 

“The girls had a very good day.  The latest rankings (on RunWV.com) had us tied with Frankfort at fifth in the state.  At the end of the day we were tied with them at 137 points,” said Griffith. “We beat them on the tie-breaker, which is determined by where your sixth place runner finishes.  That may not sound like a great day, but our top runner, Caroline Ferrell, was out for this race.  Our second runner, Savannah Blythe, had issues with her hip during the race.  Our third runner, Kendall Kirk, was with her new baby brother and missed the race.  I would say things look good for later in the season.” 

 

Bridgeport is back in action Saturday at the Ritchie County Invitational at North Bend State Park. The race begins at 11 a.m. for the boys and 11:40 for the girls. The middle school portion of the event begins at 9:30 a.m. with the boys and 10:00 a.m. for the girls.