Seniors Anchor Clayton Cross-Country Teams

The boys and girls cross-country teams have recorded some successes this fall.

Both teams placed well in the Lutheran North Invitational on Sept. 15. The boys won the invitational, and the girls placed third. Clayton cross-country Coach Kurtis Werner said the boys haven’t won the Lutheran North Invitational in a decade.

“It makes you feel good as a coach,” he said. “These kids really prepared for the season in the summer, and that makes a world of difference. We started out a month ahead of where we were last year. It takes some effort to run in the summer, especially when it’s so hot. They wake up very early in the morning to do their workout.” 

Senior Matt Millett, Clayton’s No. 1 runner on the boys team, placed third at the Lutheran North Invitational with a time of 17:33. Senior Nicole Indovino, one of the captains of the girls team, placed sixth with a time of 20:23.

“Matt and Nicole are experienced and dedicated leaders,” Werner said. “They’re four-year varsity veterans, and they both want to win. Each time they go out there, they want to get better, and that’s what running is about, beating yourself.”

Clayton's achievements in the Lutheran North Invitational didn't stop there. Parker Schultz, a sophomore, placed sixth (17:43), and junior Matt Garrett placed seventh (17:44). Sophomore Lauren Indovino, Nicole’s sister, placed ninth (21:14), and sophomore Lily Miswon placed 11th (21:27). 

Werner said Schultz has "a lot of talent” and should turn into Clayton’s No. 1 runner as he matures. Garrett started competing at the varsity level as a freshman, and in the last three years he’s made himself one of the program’s valuable building blocks, Werner said.

“This program has been built around him (Garrett) and (junior) Derrick Stone,” Werner said. “The other guys pace themselves off of them. We try to pack up in a race and stay together. This way, we can score more runners.”

The girls team competed in the Lutheran Invitational without one of its top runners. Freshman Bridget Boeger did not get to participate because of an ankle injury.

The boys and girls cross-country teams have had more than one success this year: The boys placed second out of 25 teams in the Big River Running Festival on Sept. 10, and the girls placed third out of nine teams.

The month of October will be big for both teams. They are scheduled to compete for a conference championship in the Suburban East Meet on Oct. 11, and they will participate in the Class 3A district meet Oct. 29.