Local middle school runners excel

Parker Bennett took sixth place. photo by Kris Kristovich Five local runners qualified for regional finals at the State Junior Olympics cross-country meet in Salem last month.

Qualifying at Bush Park were: Parker Bennett, Emi Conrads, Courtney Johnson, Seth Schneider, and Benton Urquhart. All are from Sisters Middle School except Schneider, who attends Sonrise Christian School.

This is a club sport and the youngsters practice after school with coach David Glick and volunteers Ron Ketchum and Kris Kristovich.

"We run against pretty good local competition from Bend, La Pine and Redmond schools," said Kristovich. "The youngsters are pretty committed and did a fine job in Salem."

The following weekend, three local runners returned to Bush Park and competed in the regional finals. Male and female runners, age 10-16, come from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington for the finals.

Parker Bennett finished 10th in the Midget Class cross-country run. The 12-year-old timed 11:23 over the three-kilometer course.

Emi Conrads ran on the Youth Section four-kilometer course and had a time of 17:12 while Benton Urquhart finished in 15:37 over the same course.

"I enjoy working with the kids," said Kristovich. "It's fun to see them develop as runners and reach their potential."

About 30 runners from Sisters Middle School participate in the cross-country program.