Polk runners see conference foes at Freedom Invitational

Polk County runners delivered a solid showing Saturday at the Freedom Invitational, held on Freedom High School’s cross country course in Morganton.

The Wolverine girls fielded a full team and placed 13th in the event. Three other Mountain Foothills 7 Conference teams participated, with Brevard placing fourth, R-S Central taking 12th and Patton finishing 14th.

Olivia Overholt (20:42.28) placed 12th and Tori Thompson (23:05.79) finished 39th to lead Polk County. Patton senior Madison Clay won the race with a time of 19;20.97.

North Lincoln, West Henderson and Pine Lake Prep finished in the top three in the girls team competition.

Wolverine seniors Braxton Edwards (18:21.30) and Mark Teague (18:39.25) placed 37th and 44th, respectively, to pace the Polk boys. The Wolverines finished 13th, with conference foes Brevard in fifth, R-S Central in seventh and Patton in 11th.

North Lincoln’s Stephen Fernetti won the individual race with a time of 16:36.51 as North Lincoln, West Henderson and Lincoln Charter finished as the top three teams.

Several runners had personal records – Adison Broyles, Ezra Marlow and Tailynn Nelon. The race also marked the debut of Marlene Eichenberger.

“We had a good meet,” said Polk County head coach Alan Peoples.

Polk County will next compete on Saturday in the Hagen Stone XC Classic, set for Hagen Stone Park in Pleasant Garden.

FREEDOM INVITATIONAL
Polk County results
Girls
12. Olivia Overholt, 20:42.28; 39. Tori Thompson, 23:05.79; 74. Tailynn Nelon, 26:01.09; 92. Lauren Dotson, 29:38.32; 93. Marlene Eichenberger, 29:57.20; 100. Luna Gonzalez, 32:11.49

Boys
37. Braxton Edwards, 18:21.30; 44. Mark Teague, 18:38.25; 82. Tristan Devine, 20:29.82; 85. Adison Broyles, 20:43.36; 86. Jayln Thomas, 20:44.30; 116. Ezra Marlow, 24:30.43