Rattler runners compete at big Amarillo meet

Changing up their schedule, the Tucumcari cross-country program headed east and participated Saturday at the sprawling Amarillo ISD Invitational meet.

The Rattlers had been scheduled to go south to compete at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, but Tucumcari coach Tim Clark reconsidered for another meet that was closer.

Clark said up to 30 teams participated in the Amarillo meet.

“It was packed,” he said.

Creed Owen was the top runner for the Rattlers, finishing the 5-kilometer course in 21 minutes, 22.86 seconds for a 75th place in the Division II race.

Alex Bueno De La O was right behind, finishing 81st in 22:03.11:

Also running for Tucumcari were Tyrus Jones (90th, 24:17.37) and Logan Lafferty (93rd, 24:31.18).

“We continue to cut about a minute and a half every time they run,” Clark said. “They’re continuing to push forward, and that’s all I ask.”

Dumas won the Division II boys meet with 44 points, and Dalhart was second with 94 points.

Adrian Olmos of Boise City was the top overall runner in that division in 16:26.71.

Clark said he received an unexpected bonus Saturday. Former Rattler standout Manny Hernandez, who now runs cross country at Mesalands Community College, showed up at the meet.

“He gave our runners a lot of pointers, which I really appreciated,” he said.

Tucumcari has some time off before its next scheduled meet at the Memorial Day Invitational on Sept. 23 at Robertson High School in Las Vegas.