By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
After winning two state championships a season ago, the Southeast of Saline Cross Country teams opened up 2021 with a bang, placing top three in two meets in a span of just three days.
The Trojans got started on Thursday when they traveled to Hesston to compete in the Swather Special.
At the first of two meets, it was a Trojan sweep with the boy’s team taking first by 17 points and the girl’s team winning by 1.
On the boy’s side of things, Dylan Sprecker led the way, running the fastest time of the meet with a 17:12.9.
Right behind Sprecker was Joel Kejr, who took fifth among all seniors at the meet.
Damion Jackson turned in an impressive time of his own to place second among all juniors, while sophomore Levi Allen took home top honors among all sophomores.
Ben Heinrich rounded out the top five finishers, placing fifth among all freshmen in his debut.
On the girl’s side, decorated veteran Jentrie Alderson put up the fastest time of the meet with a 20:20.1.
Savannah Sutton placed fourth in the junior group, Sadie Franklin came sixth among sophomores, and in another impressive debut, Abby Commerford placed second in the freshman group.
Just three days later SES was at it again, this time competing in the Wamego Invitational.
Even on short rest, the Trojans put up good results with the boys team finishing third and the girls team finishing second.
On the girl’s side, it was another top finish for Jentrie Alderson who shattered her meet-winning time from three days prior with a time of 18:51.88.
SES finished the day with four other finishers in the top 30 thanks to Abby Commerford (10th), Cali Augustine (15th), Sadie Franklin (27th), and Joni Schroeder (30th).
For the boys, it was a strong day headlined by three top two finishers in Dylan Sprecker (4th), Levi Allen (9th), and Damion Jackson (10th).
Both teams will look to build on the success from this week as the season progresses.
For more on the SES Cross Country teams in 2021 stay tuned to the Salina Post.