The Hillcrest Academy Raven Cross Country team got their chance to run with big schools on a big stage Thursday at the Bud and Bonnie Williams Classic hosted by Iowa City High at the Kickers Complex. The Hillcrest girls were 10th of 13 schools with their total of 307 points, beating Pekin, Ottumwa and Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Pella won the meet with 41 points. Raven leaders included Marie Yoder 14th in 19:57, followed by Siena Stanerson 37th, Rya Scott 76th, Delaney Shaw 92nd and Brynna O’Rourke 103rd. After the race, Scott joined KCII Sports to talk about her day.

Scott said, “(My plan was) don’t sprint up the hills and try to keep an even pace throughout the race. Just finish the race today honestly, because of my injuries, I’m proud of finishing!”

For the Raven boys, they placed 14th of 14 schools with 405 points. Cedar Rapids Prairie won the meet with 32 points. Top Hillcrest racers included Jesse Blossom 82nd in 19:57, followed by Braden Hartsock 93rd, Isaac Beachy 106th, Jeremiah Danker 124th and Mateo Rodriguez-Yoder 125th. After the meet, Hartsock and Beachy talked with KCII Sports about their race

Hartsock said, “Be careful on the hills and once you go downhill, try to speed up in the second lap, once you’re downhill, try to go faster than your race pace at the end. My plan on the second lap was to work on catching the next person.”

Beachy added, “It’s a fun course to finish on with the turn and then the good straightaway. I could have run my race a little bit more evenly, but it felt like good effort. I really enjoy this team. They are a fun group.”

The Ravens are next on the course Monday, when they host their home meet.