Jasper places ninth at Coca Cola Classic run
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Both of Jasper's varsity cross country teams placed ninth overall at the Coca Cola Classic run at Lufkin High School Saturday, boosting Head Coach Terry Young and assistant Tim Little's hopes that these squads will advance to Region.

"It was a big meet with almost 1,000 runners and we had two varsity runners to medal," Young said. "Zach Riggins was seventh in the boys' event with an unofficial time of 17.30. It was a 5K run so the course was a little longer than usual. Freshman Charlotte O'Brien placed 13th. She ran a 14.10. The whole boys' team ran in under 20, the best time this year. We think we are in good position to get both teams to Region."

Seth Bevil and Matthew Burrows moved up to varsity which adds depth to the boys varsity team. Because they had both run at other schools a couple of years ago, it has taken all season to get the paperwork through the UIL, Young said.

Jasper's top six runners were Riggins, David Cleveland Hadley, Robert Adams, Adam James, Burrows and Bevil.

"Still, our depth puts us in good position," Coach Little said. "Robert Adams is coming on strong and just getting into his stride, for example. All of our kids have improved their times over the past several weeks. There will be individual runners who will place higher than some of ours but we think our teams will do well."

Bridge City, who is favored to win district, placed seventh overall. Zavalla was the top team in the 3A and under division, followed by Tarkington and Big Sandy. Silsbee was 14th.

On the girls' team, O'Brien has medaled in every competition this season, and Lauren Morgan ran a 14.50 at the Lufkin meet. Rounding out the girls' team was Natalie Duffner, Hannah Vickers, Harlena and Teneshia Hadnot.

Zavalla was the first place team, followed by Bridge City.

Jasper's lead JV runner was Dylan Riggins in 19th place with a time of 20.26. He was followed by Shun- Marcus Preston and Parker Stover.

"We will be over-running, running longer distances, between now and district," Young said. "Other than that, we want to kids to eat well and get plenty of rest. I think we will be in good shape."

The District 21-3A cross country meet begins Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Claiborne West Park in Vidor.