Cotter, Ellison medal at Garnett to lead Wildcat cross country

By Andy Brown
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Updated: September 9, 2024

(Submitted Photo)
Louisburg sophomore Levi Cotter earned a medal Thursday at the Jerry Howarter Invitational in Garnett.

GARNETT — The season opener for the Louisburg cross country team had its highs and lows Thursday at the Jerry Howarter Invitational.

Louisburg left the Garnett Country Club course with a pair of medals as the Wildcats tried to make the best out of a tough day that saw two runners leave the race with an injury.

“The teams did a great job,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “I felt they did not let the conditions bother them and they did their best for the first meet.”

Sophomores Levi Cotter and Truman Ellison had a successful first outing as both earned medals for the Wildcats.

Cotter finished 12th overall in 19 minutes and 2 seconds and Ellison was 16th in 19:27. Another sophomore, Spencer Mattison, took 28th, while senior Ben Proctor was 46th in 22:40.

Mattison would have earned a medal as well, but due to a mix-up at the finish line, he wasn’t awarded one.

“All three boys ran well,” Reece said. “They are going to be looked upon to step up this year and help to create a strong team. That is a tall task for sophomores but we see the potential and know they will rise to the challenge.”

Louisburg senior Jerynce Brings Plenty, who is the team’s top runner heading into the season, had to leave with an injury. Another senior, Marissa Vallejo, also had to leave due to an illness in the girls race.

“Marissa did not finish due to her being sick days prior to the meet,” Reece said. “She made the effort, which we appreciate, and we will get her ready and healthy for her next meet.

“Jerynce had to step off the course for a leg issue. It was minor and we have come up with a solution that should help in the future.”

Vallejo and sophomore Talen McMurray were the lone varsity runners on the girls side. McMurray finished 32nd overall in 27:26.

Louisburg will be back in action this Saturday when the Wildcats travel to the Wamego Invitational.

“Our three sophomore boys and Jerynce will travel to Wamego to get an opportunity to run the state course and see great competition early in the season,” Reece said. “Our young runners are doing an awesome job and we will be looking to move them up within the team as the year goes on to give ourselves a complete varsity team.”