The Creative Technology Academy cross country team competed in two challenging meets this past week. On Saturday, August 29, the team traveled up to Benzie Central High School to participate in the “Eldon Moss Cross Country Invitational” and on Wednesday, September 2, the Kent City Coed 10k Relay Invite.

“This was an intense week of cross country for the team,” said Coach Gerry Verwey.  “Saturday’s meet featured 17 schools, many of whom were state championship contenders.  Wednesday’s meet pitted us against six other schools much larger than our own, including some division one competition.”

At the Benzie Central Invitational, freshman Grace VanEnk broke the girl’s school record in a time of 23:57, only to have senior Erin Willis break that mark, the following Wednesday, at Kent City with a time of 23:48. The Charger girls team features a dynamic top three with VanEnk, Willis, and twin Ashton Willis, that any new program would dream to have. Along with freshman Esther Hubbard and senior Cassie Dille, the Lady Chargers are looking to really turn some heads this season. “The girls have really come together as a team after the Benzie meet and have set their sights on some big teams and big goals,” added Coach Verwey.

The girls finished 9th at the Benzie Invite with 224 points, one point behind Lake City.

The boy’s squad also found success at Benzie. All seven of the runners ran new personal best times, with the top four all within 13 seconds of each other. They placed 10th out of 18 teams competing. The boys were lead by strong performances from junior Kyle Biddlecome and senior CJ Bouck.  “Kyle and CJ are looking the strongest I’ve ever seen them, noted Verwey. “They are definitely showing that they will not back down during a race.”

CTA’s upcoming competitions include the Big Red Invite at Muskegon on September 12 and a meet at Tri County on September 15.