Union Pines runner passes away at Hare & Hounds meet attended by Polk squads

The competition Saturday involving Polk County’s cross country teams at the Hare & Hounds Invitational in Charlotte took a back seat at the tragic news of the death of a runner.

Union Pines senior Samantha Davis collapsed while taking part in the girls invitational 5K, suffering what may havee been a seizure. She passed away shortly after midnight on Sunday at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center.

The Polk County girls team competed in the invitational race as well. Freshman Olivia Overholt led Polk County with a 31st-place finish in a time of 21:15.20. Also competing for the Wolverines were:
* Taytem Johnson, 26:07.57
* Amelia Nespeca, 26:19.11
* Maia Teague, 26:20.47
* Ashlyn Ramsey, 26:54.43
* Izzy Jackson, 27:07.32
* Madison Geddings, 29:03.53

Almost 400 runners competed in the race. The Wolverines placed 43rd in the 53-team field.

In the boys invitational race, Polk County placed 52nd out of 74 teams. More than 530 runners comprised the field for the event.

Caleb Potter placed 27th overall in a time of 17:30.63 to lead the Wolverines. Also competing for Polk County were:
* Jack Derkach, 19:57.71
* Mark Teague, 20:05.78
* Chris Rickman, 20:34.35
* Bryce Thompson, 21:16.06
* Kiyon Staley, 21:32.54

The Polk County teams are scheduled to be back in action on Oct. 2, taking part in the Armentrout Invitational at R-S Central.