Runners learning benefit of bunches

LEXINGTON—Gothenburg runners are learning that it pays to stick together.

During a hot run on a challenging course at Lakeside Country Club for the Lexington Invite last week, the Swede girls found a way to finish within just a few runners of each other.

That’s one thing coach Steve Reeves has been trying to emphasize for a long time.

“They’re starting to bunch up and move up in the pack,” Reeves said. “I hope that bodes well for us when it comes to some of the tougher meets down the road.”

Three Swede girls finished in the top 15 to earn medals.

Junior Abbie Mazour finished 10th in a time of 18:53 with sophomore Alayna Collins only a second behind in 11th place.

Freshman Destiny McVay also earned a medal in 13th place.

For the boys, two Swedes were medalists as Alex Spencer crossed the line in 13th place and Aaron Collins followed in 14th.

“Most of these boys are young and inexperienced,” Reeves said. “They’re finding out what it’s all about to run in a high school meet.”

No team scores were kept.

Odaliz Santoyo of Lexington was the winner for the girls in 15:49 while Jesus Estrada of Cozad took first in the boys’ race in 18:24.