The Mingus Union High School boys cross-country team might have realized just how good it could be this season, finishing second overall as a team over the weekend at the annual Ray Wherley Invitational in Prescott.
Mingus seniors Juan Wells and Colin Garttmeier dominated the field, finishing first and second overall respectively.
Wells won the annual event in Prescott on Saturday, Sept. 10, finishing first overall with a 16:54.47 time, barely edging out his teammate. Garttmeier took second overall with a 16:54.57.
“It was good to see Colin [Garttmeier] get a chance to win a race. He’s a middle-of-the-pack runner usually so when he jumped out in front for awhile it was great. He’s never won a race in his life so when he was in front, it was like watching a different runner. Him and Juan [Wells] did very well,” longtime Mingus Head Coach Jim Bostwick said.
The Marauders had four runners in the top 30, with sophomore Gustavo Banks finishing 21st overall with a 18:25.69 time while senior Lane Gehl was 26th overall with an 18:40.56 time.
Mingus finished second overall as a team behind Mountain Ridge High School, while Bradshaw Mountain High School took third overall.
As for the girls, Mingus had three girls in the top 50 with senior Emma Schraner having the most impressive day. Schraner took third overall with a 17:37.47 time.
Junior Skyler Storie was 16th overall with an 18:46.81 time while freshman Anisa Urueta was 36th overall with a 19:29.18 time.
The Mingus girls finished sixth overall as a team with Catalina Foothills High School claiming the top prize.
“All the kids did well. This could give them all the confidence in the world heading into the bulk of our schedule,” Bostwick said.
With the Ray Wherley Invitational out of the way, Mingus will turn its focus to the Four Corners Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The Four Corners Invitational is scheduled to take place at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff with an official start time of 9 a.m.
