Riddle Runs Away at SWCCCA; Nixa Surprises, Carl Junction Upsets
Just before the Greg Wilson results came in, we were stunned by what we saw first: Webb City's Ryan Riddle and a solo 15:16. Riddle did not disappoint in his first race of his senior campaign as he as exploded onto the scene after an incredible track season. The next closest runner was Nixa's Christian Blake Procell in 16:13 so Riddle's victory was by 57 seconds. An impressive season opener for MoMileSplit's Preseason #1 has us chomping at the bit for a showdown between Riddle and Mugeche. Though we won't see it at Forest Park, it would appear that we may very well see it either at the Missouri Southern Stampede or at the Chile Pepper Festival. Regardless, it is shaping up to be a showdown for the ages when it comes as both boys have kicked off their senior years rather incredibly. Kickapoo's Brenden Crews was 3rd across the line as he looks to build on last year's 15:37. In the team race, there were many teams vying for that first place finish as there was no clear cut favorite. Though Webb City was thought to possibly be the favorite if there was any, it was Nixa who came out on top, 11 ahead of Webb City. Nixa's 57 second spread will prove fruitful down the stretch if they can keep it together. Webb City is led by their low scorer Riddle, but received a boost from a solid race from sophomore Haddon Spikereit.
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Emma Puetz of Rolla stole the show on the girls side. Puetz put together an incredible race to upset the favorite from Bolivar and Class 3 Preseason #1 Kelie Henderson. Her 19:12 was 6 seconds ahead of Henderson and was also a 1:16 PR for the sophomore. Puetz is coming off a freshman track campaign which included 2:23/5:32/12:17 bests. She is now on our radar without a doubt. Carl Junction's Madison Beecher led her team to a surprise victory over Bolivar with her 19:54 3rd place finish. In another development, it appears that there is a new Workman in town at Summit Prep in Springfield. Alexis Workman made her high school debut and looks ready to assume the role her sister played of dominant Class 1 stud. She ran 20:23 in her debut which is easily the fastest time in Class 1 at the moment. The Carl Junction Lady Bulldogs, our preseason #3 team in Class 3, scored 74 points in the overall race even without top returner Maegan Derfelt and were well ahead of the Liberators. It is still early, but Bolivar may be in trouble if Carl Junction is running like they are and still missing a 19:19 from 2016. Webb City girls were the top Class 4 team finishers.