Freshmen lead Clinton runners in Knoxville test
Clinton freshman Piper Bostrom competes in the Cherokee Classic 5K at Cherokee Park in Knoxville on Saturday. Bostrom finished the 5,000-meter course in 24:48.70 in her debut season for the Lady Dragons. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Dragons and Lady Dragons ran the fast 5,000-meter course at the Cherokee Classic in Knoxville on Saturday, and Kumes left encouraged.
“Our kids had some good times and they just keep working hard and getting better,” Kumes said.
Clinton’s boys competed without their top runner, Cooper Bostrom.
“Cooper was on a 10-mile trail run with his dad Saturday, and I think he finished first there,” Kumes said.
The Dragons still turned in determined efforts.
Freshman Baylor Cool led the boys with a 70th-place finish in 19 minutes, 4.20 seconds.
“He started fast and his splits were amazing,” Kumes said of Cool. “As the season goes on, he’ll learn how to pace himself.”
Caleb Holt finished 137th (20:53.90). Max Bostrom placed 203rd (23:35.90) and Tyler Gomez took 206th (23:59.90).
On the girls’ side, Clinton had three athletes in action.
Freshman Lily West led the Lady Dragons, finishing 81st in 24:24.20. Piper Bostrom was 92nd (24:48.70), while senior Kenzlee Hutchison claimed 113th (25:51.40).
“Our girls did well,” Kumes said. “That was a flat and fast course. Our freshmen ran strong, and Kenzlee, our senior, shaved at least two minutes off her personal record. It may have been more, but I know she beat her PR.”
Clinton is scheduled to compete at The Mounds in Oak Ridge on Saturday, Sept. 13.
