SEPTEMBER 6, 2008 - SPENCERVILLE
The Covington cross country teams competed at the Spencerville Invitational on Saturday with both the boys and girls teams finished in 4th place.

Willy Hoffert led the way in a third place finish with a time of 17:21.  Andy Hittle was next in 12th 17:58, followed by Brandon Flora 16th 18:24, Darrell Thobe 33rd 19:20, Zach Shilt 42nd 19:39, Michael Rosengarten 60th 20:21, Tyler Moody 73rd 21:30, Tyler Tebbe 79th 22:20, Harry Hicks 87th 23:04, Zac Plessinger 99th 25:32.

"All the boys came out to race today," said Covington coach Josh Long. "They ran very smart and with a lot of confidence.  Many of them ran their personal best today. Including Andy Hittle, reaching the 17's for the first time.  Our top three guys (Hoffert, Hittle, Flora) continue to lead the way, but the huge difference today for our team finish was the improvement of our 4th and 5th guys."

The girls were led by Carrie Spurgeon with a 10th place finish and a time of 21:17.  Kayla Fissel was next in 22nd with a time of 22:58, followed by Julianna Simon 29th 23:25, Erin Waterfall 31st 23:29, Raquel Brant 51st 25:24, and Alyssa Reck 79th 27:58.

"We are an extremely happy team right now," coach Libby Long said. "The girls were very excited to get fourth place.  This is the highest place we have gotten in quite a while.  They come to practice each day ready to work and improve.  I couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome today."

The Junior High boys once again had a great day placing 2nd.  Leading the way was Dustin Fickert 3rd 11:31, next was Lane White 10th 12:04, followed by 15th 12:18, Justin Millhouse 42nd 13:07, John Karrayanis 50th 13:21, Bryant Hicks 55th 13:23, Dale Brant 88th 14:08, Nick Tobias 122nd 14:53, and Bryan Phillis 158th 16:24.

The Junior High girls also had an outstanding day placing 3rd.  Leading the way was Tara Snipes 4th 12:49.  Close behind was Brittany Diltz 6th 13:11, followed by Kayleigh Cecil 18th 13:48, Jessie Shilt 21st 13:54, and Connor Schaffer 67th 15:11.

The teams will travel to Eaton this Saturday for the Eaton Invitational.