San Juan Bronco boys earn runner-up team trophy, girls take sixth place, and Platte Lyman takes second overall at state meet

by David Boyle
News Director
The San Juan High School boys cross country team earned the runner-up trophy at the 2025 2A state cross country meet at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on October 28.
Coach Holly Walker said the team was hungry for a boys cross country title, something they last accomplished in 1995 despite some talented athletes and top-three finishes.
The Broncos’ score of 90 points was second-best at the state meet just behind North Sevier who won the 2A title with 76 points.
San Juan was led by a second-place finish at the state meet by junior Platte Lyman. Lyman finished the 5k race in a time of 16 minutes and 35 seconds just 16 seconds behind the winner also from North Sevier.
Senior Rosendo Martine finished in 11th place with a time of 17:16. Freshman Cannon Kartchner finished 21st place with his time of 17:40, while sophomore Keegan McCullough was five seconds behind in 24th.
The final score for the Broncos came from junior Jack Kartchner who placed 32nd in a time of 18:17. Sophomore Jeraden Hurst finished in 42nd place in a time of 18:38 while freshman Peter Lyman finished in 50th place in a time of 18:51.
Coach Holly Walker noted that the strong finish didn’t come without challenges. “A severe respiratory illness swept through the team in the weeks before state, hampering performances of many runners during championship competitions.
“Each boy had to run the race of his life at state, as they took the line and started they began executing their race plan. By the mile mark Lyman and Martine had excellent position and the team was tightly packed behind them.
“By mile two the strain of illness could be seen in Martine and junior Jack Kartchner as the gaps between those runners had widened but you could visibly see them switch gears and dig deep within to find the heart they needed to give more than they thought possible.
“Meanwhile, Lyman advanced in the final mile passing runners steadily to advance into medal position, then in the last 400 meters laying it all on the line for a second-place finish, while Martine battled steadily ahead, giving everything he had that day to finish 11th.
“Freshman Cannon Kartchner and sophomore Keegan McCullough valiantly battled to stay as close to Martine as they could and had incredible races for such young runners finishing third and fourth for the team in 21st and 24th.
“Jack came in 32nd overall, fifth for the team, powered by sheer grit and determination, having driven himself beyond what should have been possible.
“Jeraden Hurst, sophomore and Peter Lyman, freshman, finished 42nd and 50th respectively, and demonstrated the depth of the San Juan boys team and cementing their solid second-place team finish.”
Walker added praise for the support that helped push the team to success this season. “We are so proud of each and every member of the cross country team. It took the efforts of every single person whether they ran at state or not.
“We’d like to thank all of the wonderful parents, school and staff, community members, and businesses for their support and help forming this amazing team!”
The San Juan girls cross country team finished in sixth place led by a top-five finish from junior Sincere Nez. Nez ran the course in 19 minutes, 45 seconds to finish in fifth place overall.
Coach Walker said Nez had been a powerhouse all season with the end of her soccer season leading to an ability to focus fully on her running.
“She is fearless and executes her race strategies with confidence in her own strengths and abilities,” stated Walker. “At state she was able to beat girls she hadn’t been able to beat earlier this season and I believe it was because of her fierce determination and mental and physical conditioning.”
Walker added that the entire girls team looked up to Nez as a leader and motivator. Junior Ada Lyman finished 30th overall in 22:45 while senior Brinley Jones finished 46th in 24:04.
Juniors Harmony Oshley and Braylyn Eddie rounded out the scoring places for the Lady Broncos. Oshley finished 60th in 25:01 while Eddie took 68th in 25:40.
Freshman Jourdanae McCook finished 74th in a time of 26:09 while Senior Rose Kartchner finished 88 in 28:54.
Reflecting on the season coach Walker stated, “This year was a tough year for our girls team but I’m incredibly proud of how far they came from the start of the season to the end.
“We barely had enough girls for a full team this year but they helped each other, became good friends, built each other up, and by divisionals had become a strong enough team to earn their spot at state.
“Most of the girls ran season-best times at divisionals, then finished with a strong sixth-place finish at state.
“I couldn’t have asked for more and am so proud of each of my girls: Ada Lyman, Brinley Jones, Harmony Oshley, Braylyn Eddie, Jourdanae McCook, Rosalie Kartchner, Sierra Black, Haazbah DeJolie, and Saylor Dandy.”