Walker, Winterholler lead Lovell harriers

Personal-best performances by Aaiden Walker and Macee Winterholler highlighted a strong day of improvement for the Lovell High School cross country team at the Riverton meet last week, as the Bulldogs continued to gain experience and make progress across both the varsity and junior varsity races.

Walker led the Lovell boys with an 18th-place varsity finish in 19:45, setting a new personal record and earning male runner of the week honors from head coach Caleb Sanders.

“Our top male runner,” Sanders said. “A new PR for Aaiden. He runs great for a first-year runner.”

Behind Walker, the Bulldogs packed three runners closely together. Oscar Garcia placed 31st in 20:57, Grant Rose was 33rd in 21:21 and Ethan Hendershot followed in 34th at 21:40.

Sanders said Garcia continues to work on running negative splits and becoming a stronger closer, while Rose has developed into one of Lovell’s top four runners. Hendershot is also making a push toward establishing himself among the Bulldogs’ varsity seven.

On the girls side, Winterholler turned in one of Lovell’s best performances of the meet. Competing in the junior varsity race, she placed third in 25:36, setting a personal record and recording the fastest time among Lovell’s girls.

“She was our female runner of the week,” Sanders said. “She was our fastest female and set a new PR. She is learning and improving every week.”

Bonnie Buchholz also responded with a strong race, placing 10th in the JV division in 27:30 after struggling the previous week.

“This was a bounce-back race for Bonnie,” Sanders said. “Much better for her this race.”

Rylee Mayes added another personal best, finishing 21st in 30:36, while Kaylynn Mickelson showed significant improvement in just her second race. Mickelson finished 23rd in 33:13, cutting two minutes from her previous best.

“Kaylynn cut two minutes off of her previous best time,” Sanders said. “She continues to show improved conditioning.”

Candace Walker represented Lovell in the varsity girls race, placing 26th in 28:05.

The Bulldog JV boys were led by Dagan Reuter, who placed 22nd in 22:56. Sanders said Reuter continues to work toward earning a place among Lovell’s top seven.

“He is a student of the sport and is intentional when he runs,” Sanders said.

Conner Grant followed in 37th place at 25:06, bouncing back from a difficult race the previous week in Buffalo. Jackson Sanders placed 42nd in 25:41, followed by Christian Garcia in 46th at 27:28 and Daniel Durfee in 48th at 29:06.

Taevan Henton finished 51st in 29:53 as he continues working toward more consistent mile splits, while Gage Pillow placed 55th in 34:19.

With personal records falling, runners bouncing back from difficult races and several Bulldogs competing for varsity positions, Sanders continues to see progress from a young Lovell squad. The results provide another measuring point as the Bulldogs work toward becoming stronger and more consistent as the season moves forward.

They will run in Lander today (Thursday) with the girls race begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by the high school boys at 1 p.m.