Creative Technologies Academy’s cross country team traveled down to the Portage Invitational this past Saturday.  Conditions were dry and cool, leading to some great personal bests for many runners across the board. Being the largest cross country invitational in the state, the division four race featured 30 schools.  CTA’s men’s’ team earned a 21st place, greatly improving their showing from last year.

The Chargers were led in scoring by junior Kyle Biddlecome (19:09).  Biddlecome’s last three races have been impressive. “The determination which Kyle runs with is evident by his body language.  He’s aggressive and not afraid to push the pace,” comment Coach Verwey.  Freshmen Jeremiah Wortz (19:35) and Andre Winters (19:41), followed by sophomores Halfdan Lien Kjaer (19:44) and Lukas Holstein (20:28) figured into the scoring for CTA.

For the Lady Chargers, freshman Grace VanEnk had her best race in her young varsity career.  With a 33 second personal record, VanEnk led her time past the finish banner in 23:19.  Senior Ashton Willis was second for the team running a strong race (24:39).  Senior Cassie Dille rounded out the scoring.

Although not competing at Portage, CTA’s middle school team ran earlier last week at the Allendale Middle School Invitational. Maegan Roach continued her winning ways, controlling the 7/8th grade race with a first place time of 13:39. Alicia Beck and Hannah Hubbard earned medals, along with Roach, with their 7th and 9th place finishes, respectively. Mikayla Tomandl ran the race of her life, just missing a deserved medal, but finishing with a new best time of 17:17. Benett Tomandl ran a strong race on the boy’s side, medaling in 8th place (14:43).  Annalise VanEnk also ran an impressive 6th grade race, coming across the line in 26th position.

Next up for the Chargers is the Michigan “Class D” Cross Country Championships in Mt. Pleasant on October 24.  They will then conclude their regular season with a meet with Muskegon at McGraft Park on October 27.