WISE — The Pioneer cross-country team continues to dominate. Led by Derek Mitchell, the Lebanon Boys won their second consecutive race, rolling to a victory at the UVA-Wise Invitational on Wednesday.
“It was another impressive day for my Pioneers,” Lebanon coach Travis Hooker said. “The boys do everything I ask of them, their dedication is unwavering. I’m super proud of the accomplishments of my team and look forward to the postseason ahead.”
Mitchell flew with a time of 16:37.68 to defeat Grundy’s Keyston Hartford with 16:50.23 to take the individual title. Eli Taylor and Alec Deckard finished in third and fourth place for the Pioneers. Carter Dillon (7th) and Blake Chafin (11th) also ran well for Lebanon.
Castlewood had another great day, finishing fourth as a team and finished ahead of all Class 1 schools, led by Sam Gibson with a 13th place finish.
The Russell County contingent also did well on the girl’s side. Lebanon’s Katie Jones garnered a ninth-place finish, Tailor Nolley of Honaker grabbed 11th place, and Jozalynn Phillips was in 15th place for the Blue Devils as all three county schools posted a runner in the top 15.