MHS boys and girls’ cross country teams take fifth place at Safford Invitational

The Maricopa High School boys’ cross country team scored 124 points and placed fifth in the team competition while the girls’ squad scored 163 points and also placed fifth at the Safford High School Cross Country Invitational tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Santino Smith trailed by approximately 30 yards with a mile remaining in the race but was able to pick up his pace, finishing in first place by nearly 150 yards. He finished with a time of 17:21. Out of over 80 runners, the Rams were able to place two additional runners in the top 20. Gary Webb finished in 17th place, and Chris Collett came in 20th. Travis Moore finished 31st overall, and Jace Buchan came in 55th.

Florence High School won the event with 58 total points. San Manuel took second place with 89 points while host school Safford High took third, scoring 96 points. The top five were rounded out by Thatcher High with 111 points and Maricopa High School. There were 10 full teams fielded.

Alyssa Joaquin was the top finisher for the Maricopa High School girls. She finished 7th overall, followed by Sandin Mitchell in 12th. Meanwhile, Joy Rhymes placed 33rd, Amarelis Sanchez 53rd and Kim Aiello in 58th place.

The Rams girls’ team finished in 5th place with 163 points behind San Manuel High School with 75 points, Florence High School with 79, Scottsdale Christian Academy with 107 and Thatcher High School with 113 points.

The Rams continue to prepare for the Southern Region meet on Nov. 1 at Fountain Hills.

File photo