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Murphy's Law
Lancaster freshman wins individual SWC cross country title
Lydia Murphy
Freshman Lydia Murphy won the individual girls cross country title at last Thursday's SWC Conference meet held in Richland Center.

RICHLAND CENTER — Lancaster freshman Lydia Murphy and the entire girls’ cross country team continues to shine, and last Thursday evening brought home the girls’ individual and team conference titles from the Southwest Wisconsin Conference meet held at Richland Center.

The Lancaster ladies finished the meet with a team score of 41, finishing ahead of second-place Dodgeville/Mineral Point by 13 points.

Platteville finished third (55) and Prairie du Chien was fourth (105), followed by River Valley (128) and Richland Center/Ithaca (144).

“Our girls’ team has worked very hard all summer and into the fall to improve themselves and the team,” said Lancaster coach Taylor Reynolds. “I have been so impressed with their work ethic and determination.”

“We have performed well throughout the season, but bringing home a conference championship has been a real highlight,” Reynolds added. “Our conference meet has many tough and talented teams, and winning this race is not an easy task.”  

“The girls did a nice job getting  into good position early in the race, and I was pleased with how well they battled late in the race and down the home stretch.  I am very proud of all the cross country kids and their efforts.”

Coming away with the girls’ individual conference title was Lydia Murphy, who ran the race in an impressive time of 19:54, beating Dodgeville/Mineral Point senior, Brittany Rhyner by 37 seconds.

“Lydia Murphy winning the individual title added to the day’s success,” Reynolds said. “Lydia is a great kid and a pleasure to coach.”  

“She’s driven to work hard and be successful.  I told her to just go out and run, no need to overthink.  She established a nice rhythm early and held it the entire way.  Winning this race is a big accomplishment. I am very proud of her,” Reynolds said.

Finished fifth overall was Lancaster sophomore Maddie Hampton (21:27), while sophomore Megan Volkmann (21:55) was ninth, freshman Crystalyn Mish (21:56) 10th and sophomore Felicia Holmes (22:10) 16th. 

On the boys’ side, the Flying Arrows placed third of six teams, scoring 74 total points. Platteville took home the team title with 43 points, while Dodgeville/Mineral Point (50) finished second.

Two-sport athlete Jonathon Murphy placed sixth overall with a time of 17:22, while sophomore Hunter Liddell (18:11) placed 14th.

Rounding out the Lancaster boys’ runners were senior Jordan Jerrett (18:13) in 15th place, senior Josh Schwantes (18:17) in 16th and junior Harrison Stone (18:38) in 23rd.

The Flying Arrows will next participate at the division 3 Darlington Sectional this Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. for the girls and 11:45 a.m. for the boys.

 

SWC Cross Country Championship Meet 

(from Thursday, Oct. 15, at Richland Center)

(Boys)

Team scores - 1. Platteville 43; 2. Dodgeville/Mineral Point 50; 3. Lancaster 74; 4. Prairie du Chien 103; 5. River Valley 109; 6. Richland Center/Ithaca 130.

Top finishers from Lancaster

6. Jonathan Murphy 17:22.3; 14. Hunter Liddell 18:11.0; 15. Jordan Jerrett 18:13.5; 16. Josh Schwantes 18:17.0; 23. Harrison Stone 18:38.7.

(Girls)

Team scores - 1. Lancaster 41; 2. Dodgeville/Mineral Point 54; 3. Platteville 55; 4. Prairie du Chien 105; 5. River Valley 128; 6. Richland Center/Ithaca 144.

Top finishers from Lancaster

1. Lydia Murphy 19:54.5; 5. Maddie Hampton 21:27.5; 9. Megan Volkmann 21:55.9; 10. Crystalyn Mish 21:56.0; 16. Felicia Holmes 22:10.9.