Dylan Robinett was one of 13 Coupeville Middle School athletes to participate in an intramural cross country season. (Jackie Saia photo)
Ayden Wyman slashes through the woods. (Teagan Calkins photo)
Solomon Rudat is ready to run. (Saia photo)
Cross country is booming in Coupeville.
And a large part of that success comes from having a go-get-’em coach running things.
Right before segueing into her new job running the CHS harrier program, Elizabeth Bitting wrapped up an intramural season for Wolf middle school athletes.
While the pandemic is preventing CMS from competing against other rivals this school year, that hasn’t stopped Bitting from preaching the love of getting off your duff and moving those legs.
Under her tutelage, 13 CMS runners participated in part or all of a race series she set up.
The goal was to count the best three times for each athlete over the course of four races.
The race circuit, dubbed “Kemmer’s Course,” started near the CHS baseball field parking lot, then wound its way down the Kettles trail, before finishing its 1.4-mile length over by the football field scoreboard.
Nine of 13 Wolves ran in the final race, with six of them setting PR’s.
Whether they ran in one race, or all four, all 13 Wolves drew praise from their coach.
“Thank you all for participating during this intramural cross-country season,” Bitting said. “It wasn’t ideal, but you sure did make the best of it!
“I am so proud of each and every one of you. The support, encouragement and unity you gave one another showed so much maturity.
“I hope you all continue to participate in sports with the enthusiasm and passion you’ve shown during this time.”
Wolves who completed the series:
(First time is for series, second time for final race; * = PR)
GIRLS:
1st – Ayden Wyman – 35:48 (11:36*)
2nd – Gabby Gebhard – 36:02
3rd – Bryley Gilbert – 40:13 (12:43*)
4th – Ivy Rudat – 46:33
BOYS:
1st – Carson Field – 30:04 (9:12*)
2nd – Nic Wasik – 30:59 (10:15)
3rd – Thomas Strelow – 32:47 (10:09*)
4th – Solomon Rudat – 35:57
5th – Dylan Robinett – 40:33 (14:38)
Others who ran in the final race:
Jack Porter – 9:56*
Johnny Porter – 10:33*
Matthew Gilbert – 14:48
Savina Wells also participated, but due to an injury could not complete the series or final race.
Her best time was 12:50, an improvement of 46 seconds from her first race.
