Running all the way to State

By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon athletes Bryce Grahn and Gavin Word ran hard for their opportunity to advance to the State Cross-Country Meet last Saturday. They were both able to advance to the next level.

Grahn will be making his third trip, and Word will be making his maiden run at the state meet. Both Broncos qualified in Lubbock at the Regional CC Meet, which was held in Mae Simmons Park.

Both Grahn and Word ran their personal best with Grahn placing 3rd and Word coming in 15th. Word was able to jump up to about eighth place after the other team runners advanced with their team. Grahn’s time was 17:03.76 and Word turned in an 18:16.62. Kenny Overstreet also ran finishing 57th with a time of 19:42.65.

“The entire team ran very well,” coach Kalen Grahn said. “Gavin Word, Kenny Overstreet, Jacob Casselberry, and Clay Ward all ran person records. Gavin ran out of his mind and came in 15th. We expected Bryce to come in around the top and it is very satisfying for him and the program.”

The Broncos have worked hard to prepare for this meet and are well deserving.

“We logged a lot of miles in the morning in the dark while everyone is still in bed,” Grahn said. “We are thrilled for Gavin to compete in his first state meet.”

The Broncos will travel to Round Rock on November 12 to run in the state meet. Coach Grahn knows they will have a lot of support from all of the Bronco fans.

“We had great support at regionals,” he said. “We are so blessed to have great parents and community members who came out to support the boys. Bryce and Gavin are both excited for one more race at Round Rock. I am confident they will represent themselves and our community with class.”