San Juan hosts John Thornton Invitational

Hosting their home meet, the John Thornton Invitational this past Wednesday, September 22, both teams provided

excellent showings.

For those not familiar with the John Thornton course, it runs behind the Blanding Visitor’s Center and follows Pacheco Trail.

As many cross country runners past and present can attest, it is a technically challenging course that features several hills and a slightly sandy terrain. It is not for the faint of heart.

First to tackle the course was the boys team. Coming off a first-place finish in Kanab, the Broncos’ chances for a top finish looked high.

They fought hard against strong teams but were narrowly edged out of first place and into second by the Monticello Buckaroos.

Two sophomores led the way for San Juan, Edward Lyman and Ryan McCullough. Lyman followed his first-place finish in Kanab with a strong third-place finish, and a time nearly 90 seconds faster than his 2020 time on his home course.

McCullough, only three places back, finished strong in sixth place. He also smashed his 2020 time on the course by over four minutes.

Close behind Lyman and McCullough, and joining the two in the top ten, was Daniel Jolley finishing in ninth. The remaining four varsity runners finished within 30 seconds of each other and stole the 14th through 17th spots.

Spencer Jensen led the pack to their strong finish. He was followed by Logan Keith, Abe Lyman, and Toby Ward.

Next in action was the girls team. Leading the Lady Broncos to a fourth-place finish was Ella Lyman in fifth place. She was followed by Saylor Perkins in 18th. Next across the finish was Sofie Hook in 22nd.

Taryn Perkins came in next, taking 30th place. She was followed by Megan Black in 33rd and Nadia Armajo in 34th.

The Broncos will travel across state lines this Friday, October 1 to compete in the Four Corners Cross Country Classic in Durango, CO.

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