LAWRENCE — Great Bend High School senior Chon Chavez had an eventful 48 hours, culminated in a ninth-place finish in the Crimson division of the Rim Rock Farm Classic on Saturday.
Chavez clocked 16 minutes, 39.3 seconds, a career-best time.
“He was pretty happy with how things worked out,” GBHS head coach Todd Kaiser said. “His time was the third highest from a Great Bend runner at Rim Rock since I started keeping a list in 2000.”
Chavez, who was named Homecoming king on Friday night during the Great Bend Panthers’ 41-0 football win over Wichita North, also got some exposure with college coaches.
“I think he probably lost count of how many college coaches were there, and how many of them came over to talk with him after his race,” Kaiser said. “I think it’s great that he’s getting that kind of exposure. He’s getting what he deserves.
Overall, the boys finished 20th out of 43 teams, scoring 514. The Lady Panthers captured 21st out of 35 teams with 515.
“I thought the meet went pretty good,” Kaiser said. “All the boys but two ran season-best times. I think if we finish in the middle of the pack or higher at this competition, it is a good performance.
“The girls didn’t run as well as a team as they have in the past couple meets. I don’t know if the course intimidated them, or if it was the late night getting here. But I think they’ll bounce back. They’re resilient.”
Mary Williams finished 60th to lead Great Bend, crossing the finish line at 17:06.2.

                                                                          — Kevin Price

PREP CROSS-COUNTRY
Great Bend High School

Saturday

At Lawrence
Rim Rock Farm

Crimson Division

BOYS

Great Bend results
9. Chon Chavez, 16:39.3; 86. Cristian Garcia, 17:40.9; 121. Christian Graham, 17:55.6; 144. Kole Stiner, 18:08.6; 158. Genesis Rose, 18:15.7; 181. Cole Mulch, 18:26.6; 283. Anthony Valenzuela, 20:32.5.

Junior varsity
31. Ky Heeke, 18:43.2; 47. Michael Sullivan, 18:57.1; 119. Alex Allende, 20:01.5; 164. Adam Jacobs, 20:48.8; 211. Bobby Chavez, 21:34.4; 220. Daniel Banda, 21:46.6; 241. Dodge Nily, 22:25.4.

GIRLS

Great Bend results
60. Mary Williams, 17:06.2; 65. Mariah Stein, 17:10.3; 96. Morgan Harwood, 17:24.8; 113. Kaitlynn Tuey, 17:39.0; 192. Grace Ball, 18:40.3; 218. Abby Stiner, 19:22; 235. Mari Erb, 21:04.3.