Yetis Compete For First Time
History was made as the first Junior College team in school history competed for Cleveland Community College.
The Yetis Cross Country team ran at the Catawba College Fleet Feet Invitational on Saturday, September 7.
"I was very excited to see us ahead of another JUCO school," said Coach Steve McCachren. CCC's men's team finished first among junior colleges ahead of Central Carolina Community College 257 to 268.
Caleb Barnes (Kings Mountain, HS)was the top JUCO male runner at the meet finishing ahead of Patrick Henry CC's Nathan Cassell. There were three junior college men's teams in attendance including Central Carolina and Patrick Henry.
"Caleb ran a smart race," said McCachren. "He paced himself and had a strong finish."
Makena Deaton (Kings Mountain, HS) finished 4th in the women's junior college division. "Makena had an outstanding race with an even pace like an experienced runner even though it was her first race ever," said McCachren. "I suggested she go out in 7:40 for the first mile and she nailed it. She's very coachable."
There were four JUCO women's teams represented, including Louisburg College, Patrick Henry, and Central Carolina.
Yetis runner Isaiah Washington (R-S Central HS) led the entire field early on before spraining an ankle. Washington finished on one leg, hopping the last stretch to the finish line.
"It was exciting to to see Isaiah out front through the first mile and half. And he was still in 6th or 7th at two and a half miles," said McCachren. "He sprained his ankle in heavy traffic at that point. I'm proud of him for finishing. Had he not finished, we wouldn't have beaten Central Carolina."
Teams represented included Catawba College who hosted the meet, Wingate, NC Wesleyan, Averett, Goldey-Beacom, Winston-Salem State, Pfeiffer, and Livingstone. JUCOS were Louisburg, Patrick Henry, and Central Carolina.
Article link:
https://www.shelbystar.com/news/20190911/yetis-compete-for-first-time
"Everybody responded well," said McCachren. "It was intimidating showing up for the first race. But when it started, everyone ran like they knew what they were doing. I think everyone on the team finished strong."
The Yetis will next compete Friday, September 13 at a meet hosted by USC-Upstate at Milliken Park in Spartanburg, SC.