Ashlynn Batchelor Wins JV Milbank GrandStay Invitational

Ashlynn Batchelor crossed the finish line at 16:43.44 to take first place in the girls JV division of the annual Milbank GrandStay Cross Country  Invitational on Saturday, September 14, at Whetstone Creek Golf Course. Batchelor buzzed by her closest competitor, Tenly LeBrun of Flandreau, who took second place at 18:05.63.

All the Lady Bulldogs performed well in the 4K run. Tabitha McFaden took fourth place at 18:46.25.  Right behind her was Timbree Spors in fifth at 18:48.43, and right behind her in sixth place was Paola Culhuac Segundo at 18:49.36. Mackenzie Mueller took 12th place for Milbank with her time of 20:09.76. Camryn Sovell came in 29th at 22:25.80 and Yanderyn Olivares was 36th at 23:40.65.

In the girls seventh and eighth grade division, Madelyn Van Lith secured 11th place for the Lady Bulldogs with her time of 14:46.63. Nuria Rodriguez Duron took 13th place at 14:58.63. Ashtyn Kriz of Tri-State won the 3K run at 13:00.94.

Three JV Bulldog runners had nice showings in the boys 4K run. Franco Flores took 14th place with his time of 16:49.13. Armando Chan captured 19th place at 17:10.33, and Tate Pew came in 24th at 17:34.35. The winner of the race, Gordon Olson of Madison, crossed the line at 15:42.05. 

Eric Townsend, head coach for Milbank’s cross country teams commented, “Our home meet gets a unique group of runners together from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. “It is always nice to run at home and this meet was no different,”

Townsend gave a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped coordinate the meet this year. “Without the help of so many, we could not put on such a large meet featuring over 260 total runners from 13 different schools. Thanks to the GrandStay Hotel for sponsoring the meet.”

What’s next? The Bulldogs traveled to the Sioux Falls Christian Invite on Tuesday September 17. Results coming up here on The Valley Express. Both the girls and the boys now take a break until they make a run for the Border Battle in Grand Forks on Saturday, September 28.  

Submitted Photo