The Owl varsity cross-country team competed in the final Shelby County meet at Shelby Farms on Tuesday, October 19, and ran well to take second in a field of sixteen teams, finishing behind only Houston High School. The runners will now look forward to the Regional Championship, held Thursday, October 28.
On Tuesday, the damp, humid conditions made for a tough day of running. Although for most teams times were higher, Owl runners still fared well individually considering the conditions. This particular race allowed teams to have eight participants rather than the usual seven. Juniors Hunter Adams (6th) and Donald McClure (9th) represented the Owls in the group of top-ten finishers. Other MUS runners also contributed to the runner-up finish, including juniors Peter Zanca, Matt Dowling, and Oliver Green, and sophomores Ken Haltom, Steven Counce, and Andrew Jehl.
Now the Owls look toward the Division II West Regional next Thursday, also at Shelby Farms. This race will crown a champion for one of the three Tennessee Division II regions. Around eight to ten teams will be running in this competition, and MUS coaches think it will be a very close race, Christian Brothers and several other teams being worthy competitors throughout the season.
The squad hopes to earn a berth in the state meet, held November 6, with a strong showing at the regional race. The junior-varsity runners finish their season on Thursday, October 21, with the JV County Championship.