The Macks Creek Pirates Cross Country team is back in action! The team raced yesterday at the Southwest Cross Country Coaches Association's (SWCCCA) Richard Clark Invitational in Bolivar. Coach Renae Ratliff is pleased with the team's performance and looking foward to a fun season!
On the Lady Pirates' side, returning from last season, are sophomore Bailey Allan and senior Addison Ratliff. The ladies welcomed junior Jade Stasiak. She is a newcomer to XC, but no stranger to running as she competed in Track her freshman year. On the Pirates' side, the team once again has a lone runner. Senior Vaughn Vasquez received the torch from graduate Caleb Phillips to keep Pirate XC racing alive.
Addison and Vaughn both have a great deal of XC experience. Addie competed at State the last 3 years, earning All State as a freshman. She enjoys competing in XC and works hard each fall to ensure she is in optimal shape for basketball in the winter. Vaughn competed at State his freshman and sophomore years. He was an integral part of the Pirate team, who took 4th place at districts in 2020, allowing the entire team to advance to State.
Coach Ratliff reports Jade, who has been working very hard at practice this season, is battling an injury and was unable to race. She should be ready to compete next Saturday.
Coach shared that Bailey's season is off to a great start. At yesterday's SWCCCA meet, she was only 29 seconds off the personal record she set last season at Districts. Way to run Bailey!
Addie also had a great start at SWCCCA, running just 38 seconds slower than her race at State last season. Vaughn, despite missing last season wasn't far off his pace either, racing 1:20 slower than his last race at State in 2022.
Coach Ratliff is excited and proud of the team's performance yesterday. She is looking foward to sharing everyone's progress as the season progresses. The XC team will race again this Saturday at the Lebanon Invitational. Great job Addie, Bailey, Jade and Vaughn!
Here are photos from Saturday's race:
Vaughn Vasquez (foreground with yellow jersey) at the start of the race.
Vaughn nearing the mid-point of the course.
Lady Pirates at the start of the race.
Addison Ratliff nears the mid-point of the race.
Bailey on the home stretch of the course.
The team took a quick photo after racing.
#MCPirates