MHS Cross Country team finds stride through endurance in 2023 season

Upcoming MHS Boys/Girls Cross Country Schedule: Oct. 10 @Waurika, V/JV - 5 p.m.; Oct. 21 4A Regional Meet @Waurika, V - TBA; Oct. 28 4A State Meet @Edmond Santa Fe V - TBA

Marlow Cross Country is midway through their season and senior runner Michael Weston has finished 1[st] in two meets, most recently at Velma, a 2[nd] in another meet, and 4[th] and 7[th] in the other two meets. "Michael has really had a breakout year," said Assistant Coach Matt Ivory. "His confidence is growing and his mental toughness keeps him in nearly every race. He has some big goals and with his work ethic and his focus, I believe he will reach those goals."

Over the past two weeks, the MHS team has competed at Sulphur and Velma. "Sulphur did not keep team scores but at Velma the team took third place with their best showing of the season. It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through the season, but the improvement is there and the attitudes are very good," Ivory said. "The core guys have been committed to the goals that we set at the beginning of the year. That commitment has been evident with how hard they are working day in and day out."

Kade Sullivan is also excelling this season. "He has really come on in the last few meets with his best last week at Velma where he was 7[th] overall. He is so steady in practice and his positive attitude is vital to the team. He has already run better than at any time in his career and he has not even hit his peak yet this year."

Marlow boys are ranked number 11 of 34 teams in Class 3!, according to the report filed Oct. 2, on ohstrack.com.

Other team members are also showing great potential for the 2023 season.

Caleb Davis, a freshman, has only run three 5K's in his life, said Ivory, but he has worked his way to being a significant member of the MHS Cross Country team. "He has a great attitude and great potential. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes this year and beyond."

Leeland Davis is another freshman the team depends on. "He comes to work every day and gives his best every race. Ivory said he is a real asset to the team.

Ivory also highlighted Miguel Lara and Tyler Craft. Lara, on the varsity team, is noted for being dependable and consistent. His strong qualities include giving his best effort in both practice and on the race course. "His sense of humor really helps keep things light when the going is tough," Ivory said. "Tyler Craft has made some tremendous strides this year. He has had some up-and-down performances at times but the work he is putting in is going to pay off soon. He is primed for a breakthrough in the near future."