Runners prepare for Regional meet

Sonja Karp
NLJ Sports Reporter
 
The Newcastle Cross Country team had an unexpected week off from competition last week as they were disinvited from their scheduled meet in Gillette due to Campbell County inviting too many schools.
As such, head coach Kathy Beehler used their final regular season week of practice to prepare for the Regional meet this Thursday in Douglas.
“Last week we ran hard on Monday and Wednesday and then went to Hell Canyon on a run/hike/cave hunting expedition,” Beehler explained. “We tapered back our mileage a little and are making sure everyone stays healthy.”
The Dogies’ last meet was a good one to end the regular season as nearly all runners posted best times, and the men’s team is in a good position to make a run for the title.
“We have a really good chance of winning the conference meet if all our guys run the best that they can run,” Beehler nodded. “When I put together a mock meet with all the 3A East teams, Worland and Newcastle were within two points of each other so it will come down to which team has every single runner running their best race.”
The top five finishers are counted for the team’s overall scores, however runners six and seven may play a very important role in how the Dogies’ finish because in the event of a tie, how those last two finish will determine who comes out on top.
“Our pushers are going to make a difference for sure,” Beehler declared. “With the teams being as tight as they are with times, it may come down to how those guys finish to give us the leg up.”
Because there are only four ladies out for cross country this year, unfortunately they will be unable to compete as a team, however they can compete as individuals and Beehler is hoping that the four finish with their best meet of the year as well.
The Regional meet in Douglas was originally scheduled for Friday, the 16th, at 2, however it has been moved up a day so will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15. In addition, due to COVID restrictions, this year they will only run varsity races rather than both JV and varsity in order to cut down on the number of runners competing.
“It’s going to be a really fun meet,” Beehler exclaimed. “We are all really excited and we are looking forward to seeing how we do, and hoping to bring home some hardware.”