Not so dismal rainy run

It was a rainy run for Banks County at Riverside Military Academy last Thursday.

The Leopard’s cross country team battled the elements as well as runners from Rabun, Riverside and East Hall in the second meet of the 2009 season.

According to coach Kelly McDuffie, it was a “Good run for us so that we could practice for the region meet.”

Despite sloshing through puddles, the Leopards brought home a first place boy’s finish and a second place lady’s finish.

Banks County boys took first place followed by East Hall, Rabun and Riverside. Leading the pack for the Leopards was Ivan Diaz with an 18:24 finish, slightly ahead of brother Jorge Diaz at 18:34. Keiffer Hellmeister crossed the line at 19:47, while Avery Chastain completed the course in 19:51.

Passing the 20 minute mark, Trey Martin finished in 20:02 followed by Wullians Olandez at 20:04 and Nathan Holloway in 20:09.

The Lady Leopards finished just behind Rabun for second place and left East Hall in third.

Maggie McCoy led the Banks County girls with a 24:25 finish. Vanessa Hurtado was close behind at 24:41, while Erika Evans crossed the finish in 28:53.

Jayda Richey completed her run in 29:27, followed by Katrina Morris at 29:31. Haley Jeong finished in 29:44 and Janet Preza in 30:37.

Coming up for the Leopard runners, Banks County hosts a Thursday meet on Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m. before heading to Toccoa on Tuesday to run Currahee.