Lone home meet coming up Tuesday at Ely Golf Course
For the second time in as many years, Ely’s cross country teams dominated the competition at Deer River.
The Timberwolves won both the boys and girls team titles at Tuesday’s Deer River Invitational, running away from the competition on a warm September afternoon.
Molly Brophy and Wyatt Devine both had second- place individual finishes and Ely showed off plenty of depth to easily outscore four other schools in both events.
The wins came in advance of the Wolves’ only home meet, which is set for the Ely Golf Course on Tuesday, Sept. 30, beginning at 4 p.m.
The competition at home figures to be much stronger than it was at Deer River, where the Wolves prevailed easily.
As many as 10 or more teams could participate in the home event, which typically attracts 200 or more runners.
Admission is free for the event and concessions will be available.
Ely tuned up this week with a solid performance all the way around.
Brophy continued a solid junior season, finishing only behind Chisholm standout Olivia Pascuzzi and finishing as the runner-up in the girls race in 20:47.9.
Right behind was teammate Mattie Lindsay. The Ely sophomore took third in 21:27.4, while Ely freshman Katy Brophy placed seventh in 22:15.3.
Isabella Macho, a junior, also cracked the top-10 and was 10th among 39 runners in 22:57.9.
Others in the Ely lineup were: 13. Elsa Ellerbroek, 23:34.8; 16. Moxie Lindsay, 24;15.7; 21. Payson Kundinger, 25:16.3; 22. Lillie O’Neill, 25:32.6; 23. Lucy Dunn, 26;17.6. 29. Molly Lindsay, 29:50.9.
Ely finished with 35 points, some 23 better than runner-up International Falls and far ahead of Chisholm, McGregor and host Deer River.
The varsity boys division included a virtual sea of Ely red and white near the top of the 44-runner field.
Sophomore Wyatt Devine was second in 17:35.1, with his older brother Otto, a senior, taking fourth in 18:26.6.
Junior Brooks Brenny gave the Wolves a third runner in the top-five by taking fifth in 18:51.1, while Mason Kurnava (19:16.7), Blake Houde (19:24.7) and Drew Johnson (19:35.9) were seventh through ninth, respectively.
Other finishers for the Ely boys were: 11. Aksel Skust ad, 19:48.3; 12. Grant Chittum, 19:48.3; 32. Mason Molden, 23;20.7.
Ely more than doubled-up runner-up McGregor in the team standings, with International Falls, Pine River- Backus and Chisholm lagging behind.
• Ely also swept the junior high competition, with Sally Dunn winning the 2,500 meter junior high girls race in 12:08, with teammates Jenna Bermel (second, 12:35.1) and Kelsie O’Neill (fifth, 16:53.2) following.
In the junior high boys race, Ely grabbed the topnine s pots with Grady Anderson leading the way with a winning time of 9:42.1.
Liam Kur nava was the runner-up in 10:09.1, while Boden Devine (third, 10:41.4), Elliot Eastham (fourth, 10:51.8) and Alden Harding (fifth, 10:57.8) completed the top-five.
Other Ely finishers were Hayden Engen (sixth), Leo Shock (seventh), Connor Macho (eighth), Jimmy McCarter (ninth), Garrison White (15th), Bryce Houde (16th), Sawyer Anderson (17th) and Owen Kurnava (21st).
A BUMP for Vermilion’s Mariah Harris. The Ironhawks are home Saturday to meet Alexandria and for their annual alumni game.
CELEBRATING after a point for the Ironhawks was freshman Paige Wilson.
SERVING IT AHEAD - Makayla Woody sent a serve up and toward the net during home action for the Ironhawks. Photos by Eric Sherman.
TWO-HANDED SET - Olivia Keys of Vermilion concentrated as she set up a teammate for a hit.
