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Mifflin County goes 4-0; Juniata battles but finishes 1-2 in XC action

By BRIAN CARSON

REEDSVILLE – Both Mifflin County squads went 4-0, while Juniata finished 1-2 in the final meet of the season before districts on a cold and windy Thursday.

The Husky boys defeated Hollidaysburg (22-35), Newport (15-50), Susquenita (16-47) and the Indians (26-33). The girls winning scores were 19-41 against Hollidaysburg, 15-50 over Newport, 18-42 against Susquenita and 22-49 over Juniata.

Both Indian squads earned a victory over the Buffaloes – the boys won 15-50 and the girls 27-28.

Garrett Baublitz ran free and easy despite the conditions. The Indian senior, heading to the U.S. Naval Academy after high school, finished first with a time of 16:05.

“I was a little concerned with the wind when we first got here, but it calmed down and wasnát too bad. I did exactly what I wanted to,” Baublitz said. “I’m feeling really good. Today, I felt excellent. I feel great. I’m not too tired and I love racing here in Mifflin County. I’m friends with a lot of these kids and it’s always nice to run here.”

“I love that we are running this course at districts. It’s so nice, I can’t describe it. I’ve run the state course five times and each time I run it, I get a little better and it’s the same thing here,” Baublitz continued. “Running this course helps me strategize better. It helps a lot.”

Baublitz, looking to capture his fourth district title, likes where heás at heading into next Saturday.

“It was the first meet we ran this year where it was cold. I was hoping my lungs would be alright. What I need to work on is being stronger on the second mile,” Baublitz said. “If I can finish that second mile strong, I can hang with anybody. I need to get mentally tough, dig in there and hang on.”

Brayden Harris led the way for Mifflin County, crossing in a time of 16:33for second place.

“It was a little rocky. I’m still trying to get over a cold I’ve had for about a week. I had a little bit of chest tightness, other than that, the cold doesn’t bother me,” Harris said. âI got a little tired in the second and third mile, but I tried to keep strong and finish. I think I did my part. I’m glad what’s happening to me is happening now. Iád rather have that than coming into districts sick. It’s good prep for down the road because at states itás really cold. I feel confident for next week.”

Chase Sheaffer, state qualifier a year ago, ran the course in 16:50 to place fourth.

“Finally got some colder weather and that bumped up my mood. I wasn’t expecting a huge time, senior night just added on to it. I got under 17,” Sheaffer said. “I don’t want to get too overconfident, but I think I have a good shot at states again. If I run my best, I’ll definitely make it.”

On the girls’ side, Kylee Cubbison continues her outstanding first season for the Huskies with a first-place finish. The Husky sophomore blistered the course and won by1:43 over teammate Julia Montgomery, who crossed in 21:02.

“I was a little worried about the cold, but I fought through it and ran a pretty good race. I wanted to go out normal and keep getting faster. I wanted to keep running faster even though it was cold out,” Cubbison said. “I’m doing well. Iám excited for districts. Hopefully, I can keep getting better and better. I want to get a better time and do my best to place high next week.”

Sydney Houtz paced the Juniata girls with a time of 21:23, good enough for third place.

“The wind definitely took a toll on us, especially the side winds, because when it’s blowing in front of you, you can draft off of people. If you’re on the back stretch all alone, it’s totally impacting your time,” Houtz said. “I feel really good. This is the first year I’ve taken cross country seriously, so I’m beyond excited. I’m going to enjoy the experience. Running the course before districts is phenomenal and I commend coach (Jeff) Miller for letting us do that.”

Caden Bell and Addie Parson won the boys and girls junior high races for the Huskies.

Mifflin County and Juniata compete at the District 6 championships in Reedsville on Oct. 26.

Boys

Mifflin County 22, Hollidaysburg 35; Mifflin County 15, Newport 50; Mifflin County 16, Susquenita 47; Mifflin County 26, Juniata 33; Juniata 15, Newport 50; Hollidaysburg 26, Juniata 31

Mifflin County

2. Brayden Harris16:53, 4. Chase Sheaffer 16:56, 8. Mason Schomaker 17:34, 9. Chris Royer 17:38, Bobby Kuykendall 17:44.

Juniata

1. Garrett Baublitz 16:05, 6. Clay Yeager 17:23, 7. James Hazard 17:25, 18. Isaak Fausey 18:52, 19. Micah Fausey 18:54.

Girls

Mifflin County 19, Hollidaysburg 41; Mifflin County 15, Newport 50; Mifflin County 18, Susquenita 42; Mifflin County 22, Juniata 40; Juniata 27, Newport 28; Hollidaysburg 25, Juniata 35

Mifflin County

1. Kylee Cubbison 19:19; 2. Julia Montgomery 21:02, 6. Maddie Chilcotte 22:15, 8. Justice Sheaffer22:22, 11. Rebecca Montgomery 23:19.

Juniata

3. Sydney Houtz 21:23, 4. Emily Houtz 21:33, 29. Julia Burns 28:16, 33. Katie Hart 29:34, 35. Joceline Teifer 33:36.

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