The Clay County High School Cross Country team traveled to Holly Gray State Park at Sutton on Saturday to compete in the 2021 Braxton Invitational. Despite practice starting the first week of August, this was only the team’s second meet of the season. The athletes performed well in their first meet at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational in Beckley on August 28. Since that time, however, CCHS was unable to compete at Cabell-Midland because our county was on remote learning due to COVID-19 and meets at Clay and Calhoun were postponed also due to the virus.
At Sutton Saturday, on a grueling course in a field of six boys’ teams, freshman Sawyer Dobbins medaled for the Panthers, placing ninth. Kane Nida, Elijah Armes and Colton Frame also met the challenge of this demanding course. Additionally, for the girls, Destiney Mullins and Christian Rogers put forth a great effort.
Under the direction of head coach Ron Starcher and assistant coach Phil Dobbins, the Panthers continue to practice and improve every day. The team has five meets left this season: the Calhoun County Invitational at Calhoun County Park on September 30, the Westside Invitational in Clear Fork on October 2, the Buffalo Creek Invitational in Clay on October 7, the LKC Conference Meet at Holly Gray Park on October 14, and the Regional Competition in Clear Fork on October 21. Results at the regional meet determine who qualifies for the WV State Cross Country Meet on October 30 at Cabell Midland High School. Best of luck to all the runners!