Worland cross-country taking strong strides forward as they prepare for home meet

WORLAND - The Worland High School cross-country team had a strong showing at the Lander Invitational last Thursday and one they look to keep building off of as they get ready for the Worland Invitational at the Green Hill Golf Course Friday.

The Lady Warriors ran five runners at Lander recording their first team score of 2017 as they finished third behind, Riverton, second, and Lander, first.

"We were short a couple of our top runners and even missing runners I felt as a team we had a lot of runners step up to the plate with some leadership and had great races. Especially for freshman Brooke [Flock, fourth in JV race, 24:54.07] that was a confidence builder in the JV race and Hailey Hunter [sixth in JV race, 26:29.33] for her second race coming out and placing was awesome," said WHS cross-country coach Tanya Kienlen.

Added Kienlen, "I think it was a good confidence builder and they come back even hungrier to do better. We had a solid workout Saturday and Monday, and that gain in confidence and experience will help us improve."

The Warriors placed fifth and had runners step up and fill in on the varsity level at Lander.

"Overall seeing the team step up and fill leadership roles and be scoring members for the team was awesome. They're very much valued and despite what fate throws us we can persevere because we've been pushing each other," said Kienlen.

Stepping up in the leadership role was Nathaniel Nelson who has been turning in a consistently strong season, while freshman Travis Christian ran in his first varsity level race.

"Nathaniel Nelson has been a solid scorer for us. I appreciate his consistency with his times in practice and racing and becoming stronger, he has definitely stepped up with that leadership role ... Travis Christian in his first varsity race he powered through and was strong for us too and it was definitely a confidence booster for him," said Kienlen.

With the Worland Invitational this Friday at 4 p.m., the Warrior and Lady Warrior runners will have a nice change of pace going from the hilly Lander course to the flatter home course.

"Our course is flat and quick, which is nice. I think we're looking to go out there and have strong turnover with solid good times. For us it will be about consistency and trying to run negative splits which is a possibility on our course. Also on our course there's not a lot of spectators so being mentally focused on your race when nobody is around will be important," said Kienlen.

One of the goals this season for both Worland teams has been working on their splits and Kienlen has seen positive strides by her runners in that area.

"As we prep for the home meet a couple of our workouts have been repeats with expected slots they had to hit. I was pleased with Saturday's workout despite the rain and that's good to see mentally because they're going to be dynamite no matter what the weather conditions are," said Kienlen.

The midway point of the season is quickly approaching and having watched her team grow closer to together has been the most impressive part of this season for Kienlen.

"As crazy as it seems that we're close to midseason, I think it's great to see to see the unity among our team continue to build; and to push each other competitively in practice so that way we're getting better. They're going to have to thank each other for improving because they're competing so hard against one another," said Kienlen.

After the conclusion of the Worland Invite, the Reachard Race will take place. Registration will start at 5 p.m. with the race starting at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per runner. All the proceeds from the Reachard Race go to the WHS cross-country program.

Full results from the Lander Invitational are as follows.

Girls

2, Lindsey Holiday, 22:50.21.

7, Keli Holiday, 23:00.93.

19, Paige Flock, 25:34.64.

32, Tatum Zimmerman,27:14.43.

35, Lauren Anderson, 27:28.37.

Boys

15, Nathaniel Nelson, 19:18.35.

19, Rylan Mocko, 19:36.62.

25, Victor Olvera, 19:50.63.

26, Travis Christian, 19:52.30.

30, Jaden Mickelson, 20:09.52.

37, Tyler Hasbany, 20:44.63.

38, Gabe Webster, 20:56.96.