PHS, South compete in cross country dual

Runners get ready to take off at Friday’s cross country dual meet between Parkersburg and Parkersburg South at Erickson All-Sports Facility.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg’s cross country program is all about team unity.

The identical finish time of seniors Christian Rutherford, Walker Jones and Lucas Jenkins is proof positive.

Prior to the Parkersburg-Parkersburg South football game at Erickson All-Sports Facility, the cross country programs from both schools stepped into the limelight in their annual dual meet.

The PHS girls occupied the top four places and their male counterparts followed champion Josh Gill and runner-up Gatlin McLain from South with the next four places.

With a combined score of 42 compared to 80 for South, PHS won the overall title for the 11th time in the past 12 races.

Parkersburg’s Morgan Metz, left, receives a running partner, Big Reds’ Connor George, as they approach the finish line during Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg South.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PHS sophomore Morgan Metz won the girls division in a time of 19:23. She was followed by teammates Katie Rutherford (20:17) and Ellie Hines (20:35). An ankle injury prevented Metz from competing at the rivalry race last year.

The top South finisher, freshman Jalyn Eddy, took fifth in a time of 21:14.

“Today was so cool to see everyone out here,” Metz said. “I was really dying on that final lap, but hearing the cheers really helped me out.”

Race officials awarded medals to the top three placewinners for both the girls and boys division. On the boys side, Gill bolted away from the pack before the field completed one lap around the track at Erickson before heading out the surrounding neighborhoods.

When he returned to the track and football facility for one final leading to the finish line, Gill’s lead was completely safe as he turned in a winning time of 16:23.

From left to right, Parkersburg’s Morgan Metz, Ellie Hines and Katie Rutherford placed first, second and third, respectively, in Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg South.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

“The approach was to run whatever we could,” Gill said. “A couple boys from PHS were taking it a little easier today, so Gatlin and I knew we could get a quicker start.”

McLain, who followed Gill’s lead out of Erickson, didn’t have anyone in his shadows as he took second (16:39).

“It was really cool racing her today,” McLain said of his first experience with the rivalry series. “Josh was leading me through the entire race and I just tried to stay with him the entire way.”

The next group making their way to the finish were Christian Rutherford, Jones and Jenkins, who joined hands as they raced around the track and were credited with a time of 17:40.

“This wasn’t a super competitive meet, so we just wanted to have fun and come in together,” Jones said. “We really like a family and I’ve never experienced that before.”

Parkersburg South’s Josh Gill, left, placed first in Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg. teammate Gatlin McLain, center, was second and PHS’ Christian Rutherford, right was third.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

The expression of unity was planned several weeks ago. Christian Rutherford was given the honor of accepting the third-place medal.

“This is a team sport, so we try to come in together as a team to show this is more than what everyone thinks this is just running,” Christian Rutherford said.

Essentially, Jones and Jenkins couldn’t lose since they were students at South a year ago before transferring into the Big Red program and earning applause from both sides of the stadium.

“For the most part, people are cheering for you,” Jenkins said.

PHS now prepares for next week’s trip to Chicago to compete in a race in the Midwest. In addition to the race, plans for sightseeing include a riverboat cruise and a baseball game to watch the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

“It was a warm one, but we competed pretty well,” said Ian Domenick, who was filling in as head coach for George Angelos. “This race is a big one for all the runners personally just to get out in front of their friends and family. It showcases the work they have been putting in week in and week out.

“They usually don’t have the opportunity to run in front of a lot of people and this meet gives them that opportunity. With the rivalry, it’s a pride thing and you always want to do your best. And anytime you get to beat your rival that’s a big thing.”

The final month or so remaining in the regular season gives South a chance to direct their personnel down the right path in time for the postseason. Patriot coach Brian Blanc is hoping for multiple state qualifiers.

“Josh was trying to get under 16 minutes, but he didn’t quite get that goal – he still got his first place,” Blanc said. “Gatlin has been spectacular with the mindset and the work ethic. He is going to be a good future leader of the team.

“The future looks very bright for South cross country between the returning athletes we will have with the feeder schools. Blennerhassett has a wonderful boys and girls team. Edison has a nice feeder team coming up.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com