Coach Melinda Fitzwater talks to runners before the start of the timed run
By Gaylen Duskey
realfang@citlink.net
Heat and humidity took their tolls on the runners as the Calhoun Middle-High School cross country teams had their second timed event of the season Tuesday afternoon.
 Most of the times were slightly slower than the first timed event but some showed improvement, especially first-year junior runner Anthony Richards (left) who shaved several seconds off his best when he came in at 25:13.
He expressed gratification for being able to run all the way up "Big Mama" the large hill at about the halfway mark of the 3.2 mile course.
The top time was turned in by junior Justin Gerwig, who had a 20:24, :14 slower than his first timed run of the year. The first run was under much cooler conditions with much lower humidity.
He was followed by Cai Clothier and team captain Josh Parsons.
The top time by a female runner was turned in by Calhoun senior Anna Sampson. Sampson finished 14th in the state cross country meet last year.
She was followed by senior team captain Maria Kisner, Athena Wagoner and Kerry Graffius.
Five high school runners were unable to run for one reason or another including Tracy King, Zach Hanshaw, Barbara Richards, Rochelle Gerwig and Noah Sweeney.
The Red Devils will compete in the Calhoun Runners Hotter Than Heck Run Saturday as unaffiliated runners before opening the regular high school season in the Autumn Classic at St. Marys on August 30.
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