Cooler Weather but Salem XC Runners Stay Hot
September 23, 2026
The weather matched the great scenery of the Belle cross country course. The Salem runners continued to perform as the Girls team took 4th overall paced by Zoey Elliott who finished 3rd individually, while the boys finished in 7th overall.
Enjoying a Break From the Heat
The cool weather and we are still improving. It was really nice to see temps in the 70s. After the heat we have had all season, the rain and cool weather was a breath of fresh air. We are still improving as a team.
All 7 boys ran their personal best times. 5 of the 7 were under 24 minutes with the other 2 in the 27 minute range. We have cut nearly 8 minutes off of our times since that first meet at Peck Ranch.
The girls were no different. 4 of the 5 girls had their season best runs. The girl who didn't was Zoey who finished 3rd overall in the meet. I couldn't be more proud of how we have improved.
Talking About the Runners
The runners I want to single out this meet are Noah Hoodenpyle and Savannah Beard. They are working super hard.
Noah has been one of our top 3 boys in each of the meets. He ran his personal best of 23:22. Noah puts in the work everyday. He is super quiet and just goes about his business. He is running very well right now.
Savannah ran her 5k in 30:54. That is 11 minutes faster than her first race at Peck Ranch, and the fastest time she has ever ran. I think she will be under 30 minutes at the next meet. I am very proud of her.
Salem Runners at the Belle meet. Upper left is Jaron Utt. Noah Hoodenpyle in featured in the upper and lower right picture. The bottom left is Savannah Beard.
Looking ahead
I love the improvement. As coach it makes me look forward to practice and getting back to work.
I love watching these athletes improve and they are proud of their result, but disappointed it was not better at the same time.
Our next meet will be hosted by St James and the course is at Maramec Springs. It is a favorite of ours. The scenery is awesome, and the school runs an awesome meet.
Individual Finishes
Boys: Team finish 7th
49. Quinn Cooper 22:46
51. Noah Hoodenpyle 23:22
54. Wesley Dooley 23:36
55. Jaron Utt 23:44
58. Parker Dempsey 24:12
68. Tyler Walters 27:06
69. Josiah Frederickson 27:10
Girls: Team Finishes 4th
3. Zoey Elliott 21:53
32. Bea Hovey 29:01
36. Abbi Terrill 30:02
39. Savannah Beard 30:54
44. Clara Cooper 33:39
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