Desert Twilight brings out the best in Niwot runners

Niwot cross country has emerged as one of the top programs in Colorado, and now it can claim its spot among the best teams in the southwestern U.S., after an impressive performance at the Nike Desert Twilight Festival in Casa Grande, Ariz. on Sept. 27.

Paced by senior Samrawit Dishon, the Cougars finished first overall in the elite girls 5000M race, with 80 team points. Dishon posted a personal best time of 17 minutes 8.02 seconds to capture third place, followed by junior Taylor James (17:45.51) in 15th, Amelia Philofsky (17:57.12) in 18th, Madison Shults (18:17.33) in 25th, and senior Joelle McDonald (18:18.70). In the Large Schools 5000M, Niwot junior Lucca Fulkerson took second, with a time of 17:40.82, and sophomore Ashley Edwards (20:19.92) was 9th.

It was also a good night for the boys, who finished second overall in the elite race behind sophomore Zane Bergen, whose season-best time of 15.22.43 was good for 23rd overall. Also posting season-bests were senior Jack Kenkel (15:34.91), junior Grayden Rauba (15:46.18), junior Joaquin Herrera (15:48.15), and sophomore Joey Hendershot (15:56.49). The Cougars ended with 161 team points, edging out Fort Collins (163) and Air Academy (167) in the 28-team field.