Reynolds’ Lead HH to Cross Country Wins

Sophia Reynolds, left, of Hanover-Horton High School leads the pack during the 5K cross country race at home.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(October 13, 2020 9:36 PM) If cross country were like a 3 – on – 3 basketball tournament, Hanover-Horton High School would probably win the state title.

But each cross country team starts with seven runners with five scoring points.

The Comets have been beating teams with regularity – normally with the top three runners in each race.

Hanover-Horton did it again Tuesday taking positions 1-3 in the boys’ 5K race earning 19 points and wins over Napoleon (43) and East Jackson (78). The Pirates earned a win over the Trojans.

The Comets remain undefeated in the Cascades Conference heading into the conference final next week.

The girls’ team did a couple better, taking the top five spots in defeating EJ and Napoleon.

A Reynolds – Dean in the boys’ race and Sophia in the girls’ event – won the varsity races.

Dean Reynolds finished the race in 16 minutes, 21 seconds. Teammates Rogan Melling was second (16:26) and Logan Shepherd was third (16:34).

Napoleon took places fourth and fifth as Alex Darnell ran 16:39 and Hugo Gamez ran 17:57.

East Jackson was led by Donovan Cook who finished 12th in 18:58.

Reynolds said runners 4-7 are improving for the Comets this season.

“It is like a mental game at this point,” Dean Reynolds said. “They can do it … with our leadership on the team, we can help.”

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Comets have not had a chance to participate in some of the larger invitational around the state. But the team’s expectations remain the same each race.

“We expect to win when we line up,” Reynolds said.

The senior expects to run in college next year, having been contacted by a number of colleges and universities.

Sophia Reynolds has a few years before she has to worry about college. The freshman won the girls’ 5K in 20:49 at home on Tuesday.

The Comets swept the five tops spots as Kelly Fielder was second (21:20), Kathryn Childs finished third (21:21), Clara Rector placed fourth (21:31), and Alexis Flint was right behind her (21:44).

Napoleon took the next four spots as Madelyn Norman ran 22:07, Ann Joseph was seventh at 22:10, Alexa Burgess ran 22:13, and Olivia Darnell was ninth at 22:31.

Brynn Mericle of East Jackson finished 11th in 23:41.

Hanover-Horton scored 15 points and Napoleon 41 in the meet. EJHS failed to post enough runners for a team score.