Highland Cross Country

The Highland Cross-Country team competed at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Mio., on September 27,  This meet is the Pre-State Race held on the state course. The Cougars competed in the White Division which started with the girl’s race at 7:55am, followed by the boy’s race at 8:30am. The races were large with 205 runners in the girl’s race and 192 in the boy’s race.
Highland’s Sophomore, AJ Caudill (90th- 23:35.7) was the Lady Cougar’s top runner finishing the 5k race with a 23:35, which improved her time by nearly 2 minutes from last year at this race. Coach French said, “I am so excited for AJ! She has worked hard and continues to improve. Her time today beat all
Highland girl’s times from last year!” The Lady Cougars were without Eva Logsdon, as she was competing at the Regional Cheerleading competition in Kansas City. Highland newcomer, Graceann Carl was Highland’s 2nd top finisher, finishing with a 29:37, Isabelle Richardson was close behind with a 29:47, and Chynna Eaton finisher her first race in 33:26.7.
On the boy’s side, Senior, Nathan Caudill (75th,  19:15.4) was Highland’s top runner in the Varsity boys race setting a new personal record, which also broke the Course record for Highland (previously held by Ethan Clow). Freshman, Connor Zulauf (76th – 19:17.7) was right on Caudill’s heels. Logan Frieden finished his season best time of 19:41.7 in 97th place. His brother, Evan Frieden, finished in 113th with a time of 20:05.6. Tyler Seals (137th - 21:31.9) rounded out the Highland team score with an improvement in his time from the previous year by running nearly a minute faster this year. Highland placed 15th as a team out of 23 team scores, beating some larger schools like Moberly. Coach French, “This season is going to be an exciting one! Not only do we have Nathan Caudill and Tyler Seals returning as a Senior and Junior, but we have three very talented Freshmen who are all gunning for that top spot.”
The team will travel to Elsberry on September 30.