PHS, South meet in cross-country duel | News, Sports, Jobs

Runners prepare to take off during Friday’s dual cross country meet between Parkersburg and Parkersburg South at the Erickson All-Sports Facility. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg cross country program is all about team unity.

The identical finishing times of seniors Christian Rutherford, Walker Jones and Lucas Jenkins are proof of this.

Before the Parkersburg-Parkersburg South football game at the Erickson All-Sports Facility, the cross country programs of both schools were highlighted during their annual dual meet.

The PHS girls took the top four spots and their boys counterparts followed champion Josh Gill and runner-up Gatlin McLain of the South with the next four spots.

With a combined score of 42 to 80 for the South, PHS won the overall title for the 11th time in the last 12 races.

Parkersburg’s Morgan Metz, left, greets running partner Connor George of the Big Reds as they approach the finish line during Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg South. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PHS sophomore Morgan Metz won the girls division with a time of 19:23. She was followed by teammates Katie Rutherford (20:17) and Ellie Hines (20:35). An ankle injury kept Metz from competing in the rival race last year.

The South’s top student, freshman Jalyn Eddy, took fifth place with a time of 21:14.

“It was really cool to see everyone here today,” Metz said. “I was really dying on that last lap, but hearing the cheers really helped.”

Race officials awarded medals to the top three finishers in the girls and boys divisions. On the boys side, Gill broke away from the pack before the field completed a lap of the Erickson track before heading into the surrounding neighborhoods.

When he returned to the track and football facilities for a final run to the finish line, Gill’s lead was completely secure as he posted a winning time of 16:23.

From left, Parkersburg’s Morgan Metz, Ellie Hines and Katie Rutherford placed first, second and third, respectively, in Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg South. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

“The approach was to do whatever we could” Gill said. “A couple of the PHS guys were going a little slower today, so Gatlin and I knew we could get off to a faster start.”

McLain, who followed Gill’s lead out of Erickson, had no one in his shadow as he took second place (16:39).

“It was really cool to run with her today,” McLain said of his first experience with the rivalry series. “Josh led me throughout the race and I tried to stay with him the whole way.”

The next group to head to the finish consisted of Christian Rutherford, Jones and Jenkins, who held hands as they ran around the track and were credited with a time of 17:40.

“It wasn’t a super competitive meet, so we just wanted to have fun and come together,” Jones said. “We really enjoy being together as a family and I’ve never experienced that before.”

Parkersburg South’s Josh Gill, left, placed first in Friday’s cross country race against Parkersburg. Teammate Gatlin McLain, center, finished second and PHS’ Christian Rutherford, right, finished third. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

The expression of unity had been planned several weeks ago. It was Christian Rutherford who had the honor of receiving the third place medal.

“It’s a team sport, so we try to come together as a team to show that it’s more than what everyone thinks, it’s just racing.” said Christian Rutherford.

Essentially, Jones and Jenkins couldn’t lose since they were students at South a year ago before transferring to the Big Red program and receiving applause from both sides of the stadium.

“Most of the time, people encourage you.” Jenkins said.

PHS is now preparing for next week’s trip to Chicago to compete in a Midwest race. In addition to the race, tour plans include a riverboat cruise and a baseball game to watch the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

“It was hot, but we competed pretty well,” “This race is a big event for all the runners, just to show off in front of their friends and family. It showcases the work they put in week in and week out,” said Ian Domenick, who replaced George Angelos as head coach.

“They don’t usually get the chance to race in front of a lot of people and this meet gives them that opportunity. With the rivalry, it’s a matter of pride and you always want to do your best. And every time you manage to beat your rival, it’s a big event.”

The final month of the regular season gives South an opportunity to get its staff on track in time for the playoffs. Patriots coach Brian Blanc is hoping for multiple national qualifiers.

“Josh tried to get under 16 minutes, but he couldn’t score. He still got his first place.” Blanc said: “Gatlin has been spectacular with his mindset and work ethic. He’s going to be a good future leader of the team.

“The future looks very bright for Southern cross country with the athletes returning from partner schools. Blennerhassett has a wonderful team of boys and girls. Edison has a great partner team coming in.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at [email protected]