Bell County runners won both the boys and girls divisions on Tuesday in the Richard Magyar Memorial Run in Oneida, Tenn.
The Lady Cats kicked off the event, taking the top two spots in the girls’ varsity race. Abagail Johnson was first overall with a time of 22:01 over the 5k course. Teammate Kaelyn Lyrock placed second with a time of 22:59 for the girls.
In the boys’ varsity race, Nicholas Stewart brought home first place for the Bobcats with a winning time of 17:51, followed by teammates Braydin Hickey in second(18:47), Tanner Simpson fourth (19:20), Reese Arno fifth (20:09), Jonah Slusher ninth (21:48), Doltan Warren 15th (22:12), Landon Eldridge 18th (23:22), Ashton Manis 23rd (25:47), and Andrew Hoskins 25th (27:00).
The Bobcats placed first overall as a team with Whitley County placing second.
“I’m so proud of the work these kids have put in this season. I thought Abagail and Kaelyn ran great today. Both ran fast and pushed themselves and I love seeing that with region right around the corner,” said Bell County coach Jason Stewart. “These boys raced well today. They got out early and competed hard. Nickel has been running really well this season and has been great about getting the boys out and setting the tone for the race. Braydin also is doing a great job, lots of senior leadership with him. Tanner Simpson moving up to varsity from middle school makes a big difference in team scoring. He’s running great. Jonah Slusher continues to push and work hard. He’s running great as our fifth man, and that’s a very import part of team scoring. I think all of our boys are primed for a great run at region and, hopefully, a return to the state championship.”
Bell County will next compete at the Meet of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park on Oct. 20.