Williams sets personal best in last race before postseason

By JASON TIDD

Staff writer

Marion High School runners had a quick turnaround from setting personal records on a Thursday to racing on a Tuesday in their last meet before league.

“It is always tough to have another meet so close to the last one and I think that can play a role in the race outcomes,” coach Dmitry Bucklin said.

Marion’s four runners ran their fastest times of the year Sept. 28 at Halstead, then competed five days later at Eureka on Oct. 3.

Senior Colin Williams finished seventh and beat his previous best time by about 20 seconds, finishing the 5K race in 18 minutes, 32 seconds. He was the only Marion runner to beat his personal record.

“Through most of the race he was able to run with other competitors, which I think really helps Colin to keep going and to push hard,” Bucklin said. “I was pleased with how Colin used the hills to reset and to pass. He also had a very strong finish.”

Freshman Colton Boudreaux finished 64th in the junior varsity race in 24:08.

Sophomore Bethany Grimmett ran the girls race in 32:26, placing 45th. Three places ahead of her was Elisa Barba Ortiz, who finished in 29:22.

Results from Tuesday’s Heart of America league meet at Trinity Catholic in Hutchinson were not available by press time.

The Warriors and Lady Warriors do not race again until regionals Oct. 21 at Meade. Girls race at 11 a.m. and boys at 11:40 a.m. at Meade Golf Course.