By Jan Rahn
Managing Editor
Heat for cross country runners continued to be a factor last week, but despite the 97-degree temperature, the Perkins County Plainsmen teams did a nice job in Imperial.
According to Coach Paula Wurst, the meet sponsored by Chase County Schools is a large meet with a lot of conference and district competition, so it was nice to see the PCS runners compete so well against teams they will see again many times this season.
The girls scored 57 points, putting them in fourth place behind North Platte St. Pats (23), McCook (36) and Bertrand/Loomis (38). Other teams competing included Dundy County (77), Chase County(88) and Hershey (149).
The boys placed sixth with a score of 88 points in a field of seven other teams. Their competition included runners from Paxton, who placed first with 32 points, Dundy County/Stratton (52), McCook (53), Chase County (55), North Platte St. Pats (76) and Sutherland (106).
Wurst said all of the runners finished strong.
Girls
Coach Wurst said the pack of Emily Kemling, Courtney Lyon and Mariah Curtis held together well into the race just like they did a week ago. Kemling and Lyon broke away, finishing close together.
“Mariah [Curtis] is not a “heat” runner, so I was really proud of how she held on to finish,” said Wurst.  “It was 97 degrees again.”
She commended Kendra Hoffert on doing a super job as the fourth runner, adding that Jessi Hoffert also did a good job.
Girls Team Scores
1. NPSP     23
2. McCook     36
3. Bertrand/Loomis     38
4. Perkins Co.     57
5. Dundy Co.     77
6. Chase Co.     88
7. Hershey     149
Boys
The boys ran well, said Coach Wurst, indicating she was especially proud of Mark Hanson and Brendon Barry who again got career best times, running really smart races and moving up in the pack throughout the race.
“Mark’s 16th place finish was inspirational; I have never seen him run with such strength and determination,” said Wurst.   “Robert [Engel] did a nice job keeping Brendon [Barry] in
his sights.
She praised team members Brady Mailand, who ran well and felt more confident, along with Jake Sexson, Coy Aerni and Dylan Barrt who also ran well.
Boys Team Results
1. Paxton    32
2. Dundy Co./Stratton    52
3. McCook    53
4. Chase Co.    55
5. NPSP    76
6. Perkins Co    88
7. Sutherland    106
Next Meet
The teams take on a difficult challenge this week when they participate in the McCook meet on Thursday (today) Sept. 13 at 4:30 MT. However, the forecast of a partly sunny day with temperatures in the high 60s will provide comfortable conditions for the runners.