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Manti runners place third at Carbon Invitational

ByRobert Stevens

HELPER, Carbon County—Manti’s boys varsity team placed third and produced the meet’s top individual finisher as Sanpete County runners competed in rainy, muddy conditions last Wednesday Sept. 16y at the Carbon Invitational.

From left, Manti High School cross country runners Mason Carlile, Paul Gardner, Porter Worthington and Brooklyn Worthington pose after earning medals at the Carbon Invitational. Gardner was the top finisher in the boys varsity race while Carlile placed third. Porter Worthington placed seventh in boys junior varsity and Brooklyn Worthington ninth in girls junior varsity. Photo courtesy of Brandon Norris.

“With rain falling and the course becoming increasingly slick and muddy, the Carbon Invitational tested the toughness and determination of every runner,” said Brandon Norris, cross country and track coach.

“Manti’s four medalists rose to the challenge and represented the Templars well. It was a memorable day for Manti cross country, with athletes showing they are willing to compete and battle for every position, regardless of conditions.”

Manti senior Paul Gardner won the boys varsity 3-mile race in 16:11.1, finishing just ahead of Grand County’s River Shaw. Senior Mason Carlile placed third in 16:48.1, giving the Templars two runners in the top three.

The Manti boys finished third as a team with 91 points. Asher Henry placed 28th in 18:24.3, followed by Porter Rasmussen in 29th at 18:26.7 and Emerson Smith in 30th at 18:26.9. Micah Andreasen and Kyler Shepherd also competed for the Templars.

Manti’s varsity girls placed fifth with 114 points. Sariah Peterson finished 14th in 22:02.9, followed by Kylie Hart in 20th, Shaelyn Hart in 22nd, Grace Gardner in 26th and Caitlyn Merrill in 32nd.

Manti’s junior varsity runners finished fourth in the girls race and seventh in the boys race. Brooklyn Worthington led the girls team by placing ninth in 25:18.9. Famke Piontek finished 12th, Keely Hansen 13th, Vierra Powell 21st and Rachel Beal 24th. Manti scored 74 points.

Porter Worthington led Manti’s junior varsity boys, placing seventh in 19:14.1. Judah Funk finished 28th, Thomas Gardner 32nd, Colter Valenzuela 57th, Harvey Chaney 91st and Luke Stott 92nd. The Templars scored 158 points.