By TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports Report
QUEENSBURY — Newark Valley’s Hadley Merrill put together an impressive debut at the NYSPHSAA Cross Country Championships here Saturday, just missing out on a medal.
The 8th-grader posted a time of 20:13, good for a 21st-place showing in the girls Class C race. Missing out on a medal by one place, she served notice that she will be one to watch in the future.
“It was an incredible performance,” said coach Tracey D’Arcy. “Hadley is just a great competitor. She loves to run. She loves to get out in the beginning of the race and she held tight for her to come in 21st. We're extremely proud of her.”
Merrill was pleased with her performance among the field of 115 competitors.
“It was crowded, but it was super fun,” she said. “I'm happy with the way I ran.”
An overnight frost thawed in the morning sun, adding to any challenges already present.
“The hills, it was really muddy and there's just a lot of girls,” Merrill said.
“I think she's very tough on hills,” D’Arcy said. “She's a tiny girl, and she can push right up. Like I said, she's a competitor, so she really pushes herself through all parts of the course.”
Being so close to grabbing a medal should motivate Merrill in future seasons
“I think it'll just make me try harder, push harder,” she said.
“She's excited for next year already,” D’Arcy said. “She's got some good goals, some big goals, and I'm sure she's going to get them.”
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
