Runners cut times as Banks takes first, second at meet

Another successful meet for the Banks County cross-country team had 95 percent of the Leopard runners making their best season times, according to coach Kelly McDuffie.

Tuesday’s run at Banks County offered some tough competition for the home team as Jefferson, Elbert County and Hart County attended. For the girls, Jefferson took top honors with 21 points, followed by Banks County with 57, Hart County with 59 and Elbert County with 126. Leading the way for the Lady Leopards was Maggie McCoy improving on her previous course time with a 24:59 finish.

Kara Murphy cut 26 seconds off her course record running as Banks’ number two at 27:47. The Lady Leopards’ third fastest runner was Bridget Marlow at 28:36 shaved two minutes off her time during the season opener.

For the boys, Banks County proved to be faster than the rest as Elbert County gave the Leopards a close run. Banks finished with 46 points followed by Elbert with 47, Jefferson 60 and Hart County 62 points.

Ivan Diaz led the way with a 19:14 run. Trey Martin was 17 seconds faster at 19:27. Francisco Hurtado was the third top runner for the boys as he cut seconds from his time for a 20:04 finish.

The cross-country team now has a week off before going to Stephens County on Sept. 28. The meet starts at 4:30 p.m. in the Leopards’ first away meet of the season.