Both Emery Spartan cross-country teams are in a battle to do well in region 8 this season. While neither Emery team will probably battle for first place, both teams are working hard to place high in region contests and to do well at state.
The Emery boys are in a dogfight with Delta and Carbon for third place in the region. Early in the season, Emery was dominated by both teams but Emery is getting better each week. Last week Delta and Carbon each barely beat Emery in a meet and then Emery defeated Carbon in a meet last Friday.
Salem Hills, a Utah County school in the region for this season only and will move to 4-A next year, should not only win region but also should make a serious run at the state title. While recruiting is not allowed in high school sports, Salem Hills did a good job of getting some of the best runners in Utah County.
North Sanpete’s boys are also doing well but they have not played with the other region 8 teams yet as they always try to avoid the contests the others run in. They also have a pretty good team.
The Emery girls are doing well individually but they actually lack enough runners to compete as a team. They are hoping to pick up someone before the region meet in three weeks.
Coach Darrell Gardner talked about his kids, “These kids are really stepping it up. Although there is fierce competition in the region this season, our kids have stepped it up a notch and are competitive.”
Leading the boys team are Cort Jensen, Spencer Fehlberg and Caleb Woolsey. Also running are Dustin Jensen, Jake Gardner, Landon Fehlberg and Zac Walls.
Running for the girls are Lacey Montgomery, Larelan Huntsman, Sharel Gilbert and Natalie Baantjer. Lacey has been running with the fastest in the region but the team does not have enough to place since they count five scores.
Emery will travel to North Sanpete this week, Juan Diego the following week and then back to Juan Diego for the region meet the following week.
Spartan cross country in competitive battle
"Spencer Fehlberg runs in the meet for Emery. "