On Saturday, September 10, the cross country teams from Creative Technologies Academy competed at the Fremont Hill and Bale Invitational. This unique race challenged the Chargers with not just the typical 5K course, but also with numerous hay bale obstacles to hurdle during the event. When asked about the meet, head coach Gerry Verwey said, “This was a great opportunity to not only race against solid competition, but to have a little fun doing it too.”
Sixth grader Dawson Armstrong led off for CTA in the first race of the morning.  He showed his teammate how to run the course with an impressive run, earning the first medal of the day for the Chargers.
CTA’s varsity girls team flexed its muscle next with an exciting third place finish, just behind the strong programs of Hesperia and Manistee.  Erin Munger was first across the line for the Lady Chargers in a time of 21:18.  Freshman Hannah Hubbard and sophomore Alicia Beck finished twenty seconds apart in the second and third scoring positions. Grace Van Enk and Michaela Smith continued their impressive early season performances, rounding out the scoring for CTA.  Olivia Wortz continued her push for varsity status with a wonderful JV performance as well.
Jeremiah Wortz led the varsity boys to a sixth place finish.  Along with Austin Armstrong, Benett Tomandl, and Steve Van Enk, the Chargers had an impressive pack finish relatively close together, helping the team score.  Freshman Hunter George and Junior Matt Hoskins took the fifth and sixth spots for CTA.
Throughout the day, Coach Verwey was thrilled with the efforts turned in by many of his runners. The middle school runners were no exception.  Brandon Beck completed the 1.5 mile course in a time of 12:25, placing 16th in a race that was combined with many big schools, such as Spring Lake, Fruitport, and North Muskegon. Destiny Huekels was the first middle school girl across the line, racing in her first ever cross country meet.
This Wednesday, the Chargers will run at Tri County in a dual meet, and then will participate in the Sparta Invite on Saturday.