Kate Ferraro
Horizon cross-country freshman Natalie Platil grabbed first place in the Hawks Invitational Popsicle Race for the girls’ team, while her brother Luk Platil won first for the boys’ team Sept. 6 at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Natalie Platil clocked a time of 16:24 in the 4000-meter run. Luk Platil, a junior, came in at 13:22.
The Popsicle Race was founded by one of the cross-country coaches 23 years ago and has been carried on since.
“It’s a good medium distance race,” Horizon cross country coach Michael Ryan said. “It’s not a full 5K, but it’s early enough in the season it’s just a good opportunity, the kids love the popsicles. It’s a good time.”
Along with Platil, Horizon had three more girls finish in the top 5, awarding the Hawks girls team first place overall. Senior Kaley Stutzman and Taylor Bakel tied for third place with a time of 17:11. Sophomore Lauren Knight was in fifth place at 17:18. Adams City Eveleena Beedy finished in second place.
Natalie Platil also set a personal record in the 4,000-meter run. She previously set a personal record Aug. 31 at the Sabercat Invitational in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 20:36, placing fifth.
“Natalie is a quiet freshman who’s going to come into her own,” Ryan said. “I think she’s kind of surprising some people right now, but she’s not surprising me. I expect some really good things from her.”
On the boy’s side, Horizon won fourth place overall. Junior Tanner Reid clocked a time of 14:21 for 11th place behind Luk Platil, while senior Brandon Sundahl placed 12th, finishing with a time of 14:45. Sterling won first place for the boys overall.
The Hawks have had three meets so far in the 2013 season, and 14 runners have already placed on the top 25 or better during those meets. Ryan said the team works hard and has a lot of fun. Horizon will return to the Adams County Fairgrounds Sept. 13 for the Mountain Range Invitational.
“The most important thing is to work hard and get them to believe in themselves,” Ryan said. “I try to get them to push themselves beyond the limits they’ve ever been pushed.”
