Short-handed Pleasanton team opens season

GARNETT, Kan. -- Pleasanton did not have its full contingent when it opened its season Thursday at the Jerry Howarter Invitational, hosted by Anderson County High School. According to head coach Dan Saulsberry, many members of the team had responsibilities involving the football team's season-opening home game, which was also played Thursday.

No varsity runners competed for PHS. The only competitor was Dylan Ellis, who ran the 5-kilometer junior varsity route in 23:05 to finish 41st. No girls competed for the Blu-Jays.

Pleasanton Junior High had four runners competing, all girls. Erin Newell was second in the eighth-grade 2-mile run in 15:32 with Savanna Smith eighth in 16:51 and Autumn Secrest ninth in 17:52. Savannah Reynolds finished sixth in the seventh-grade 1-mile race with a time of 7:38.

Pleasanton's high school teams will participate in Fort Scott's meet at 4 p.m. Thursday.