One week after running well in Shiprock, the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers\u2019 cross country team traveled to Mancos, eager to test itself against opponents from throughout the Southwest.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, things did not go all that well for the Panthers.<\/p>\n
Competing in the Chicken Creek Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 28, both the M-CHS boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 teams finished last in fields composed mostly of schools with comparatively small student bodies.<\/p>\n
On the boys\u2019 side, Chandler Dee led the way for the Panthers, crossing the line in 19:55, which was good enough for 16th place.<\/p>\n
Next across the line for the boys\u2019 team was Justice Ramos, whose time of 20:10 was good enough for 20th place.<\/p>\n
Also competing for the boys\u2019 team, Taylor Wilson finished 31st (22:20), Brackin Whiteskunk finished 34th (23:19) and Leonard LaPaz finished 36th (24:29).<\/p>\n
As a team, the boys placed sixth behind Centauri, Mancos, Pagosa Springs, Monticello, and meet winner Durango High School.<\/p>\n
On the girls\u2019 side, the Panthers were paced by Rachel Demby, who, after winning in Shiprock last week, finished second in Mancos with a time of 21:44.<\/p>\n
Next in for the Panthers\u2019 girls was junior Elana Cope, whose time of 25:25 was good enough for 32nd place.<\/p>\n
Abby Lock then crossed the line in 40th (26:55), Julia Damore followed in 45th (28:40), Madison VanBibber finished in 47th (30:56), Taryn Wilson finished 48th (31:46) and Samantha Bagge completed the course in 49th (31:47).<\/p>\n
As a team, the Panthers\u2019 girls finished eighth overall behind Monticello, Bayfield, Aztec, Centauri, Mancos, Durango and meet winner Pagosa Springs.<\/p>\n
Looking to rebound, the Panthers will next compete in Cortez at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 5. The meet is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n