Wolverine boys cross country squad wins Hendersonville event

Polk County’s men’s cross country team won the Hendersonville High Invite at Fletcher Park on Wednesday.

Cool temperatures and the flattest cross country course I have ever seen set the stage for perfect race conditions and big breaks for the Wolverines. Senior Jacob Collins broke the 17-minute mark for the first time in his prep career. Collins (16:53) placed second, behind North Buncombe’s Travis Leppi (16:26).

Sophomore Sean Doyle (17:06) took third, again narrowing the gap between him and his teammate. Doyle’s performance was the best of his career. Jacob Wolfe (18:38), with another personal best, placed in the top 20 finishers. Mitchell Brown (18:45PR) and Jake Russell (19:28) rounded out the scoring drive for the Wolverines.

Polk won the meet with a team score of 76 points, followed by West Henderson 82, Hendersonville 88, North Buncombe 93, Pisgah 143, Enka 156, East Henderson 167.

Also competing for the Wolverines; Daniel Painter (19:28) and Eli Hall (19:29).

Several Polk girls also ran personal bests. In just her third high school race, India Godlock broke the 21-minute barrier, finishing 4th overall in 20:33. Shea Wheeler ran 22:18, Leigh Deaver 23:25, Hayley Kropp 23:51, Britain Hamrick 23:57. Also competing for the Lady Wolverines; Nancy Silva 24:40 and Shelby Wells 26:10.

Women’s team scores: Asheville Christian 63, Pisgah 68, West Henderson 68, North Buncombe 92, Polk 126, Brevard 132, Hendersonville 169, Enka 187, Mountain Heritage 255.

Polk will race in the Freedom High School Invite on Saturday.