Jammed up and challenging each other to go faster, the top boys were about as close as they could be Wednesday during the final stages of the Twin Falls Invitational 3.1-mile cross country race at Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls.
Only one was way out in front, Highland's Tommy Bollinger from Pocatello (16 minutes, 38 seconds). The other contenders were virtually in lockstep led by Burley's David Fillmore (16:59) and Wood River High School senior Pedro Morales.
Morales (17:08) continued to prove himself as one of Idaho's best prep footracers this fall with a third-place time in the field of 102 boys' varsity runners. His sophomore teammate Chase Caulkins (17:28) also keeps improving and he placed a very heady 10th in the tough Twin Falls field.
Wolverine junior Julia Bowman (21:21), surrounded by runners from Twin Falls and Highland in the front of the girls' varsity pack, finished 12th of 150 girls Wednesday. Highland (33) nipped Twin Falls for the girls' title, and Twin Falls (56) won the boys' honor over Highland (62).
Next, Wood River and Community School runners take part in the Gooding Invitational Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Gooding Golf Course.
Wolverine and Community School varsity placings for the Twin Falls Invitational:
Boys varsity: 1—Tommy Bollinger (Highland) 16:38. 3—Pedro Morales (WR) 17:08. 10—Chase Caulkins (WR) 17:28. 40—Max Durtschi (CS) 18:32. 58—James Paris (WR) 18:58. 67—Zach Lowry (WR) 19:26. 73—Sam Colesworthy (WR) 19:46. 75—Dale McLaughlin (WR) 20:05. 78—Will Spiller (WR) 20:18 (102 runners). Team totals: 1—Twin Falls 56. 9—Wood River 175 (14 full teams).
Girls varsity: 1—Amanda Ward (Twin Falls) 19:22. 12—Julia Bowman (WR) 21:21. 34—Marissa Dreyer (CS) 22:42. 40—Madie Deffe (WR) 22:57. 48—Lacie Anderson (WR) 23:16. 50—Heidi Bergt (WR) 23:18. 53—Maddie Cordovano (WR) 23:21. 60—Brooke Bowers (WR) 23:30. 66—Allie Freund (WR) 23:53. 71—Maya Diem (WR) 24:15. 94—Emily Williams (CS) 25:14. 96—Tessa Barrow (WR) 25:20. 97—Clarice Stevens (WR) 25:21. 106—Zana Davey (CS) 25:56. 124—Dezi Peters (WR) 27:36. 127—Tanya Greenwood (WR) 27:59. 135—Lyndsey Lascheck (WR) 29:22. 138—Ashton Lupton (WR) 29:44 (150 runners). Team totals: 1—Highland 33. 7—Wood River 184 (15 full teams).
