Poplar Cross Country Team Competes At Sidney Meet

Poplar's Hudson Atkinson succeeded on one of his steps to recovery at the Sidney Invitational cross-country meet on Saturday, Aug. 29. After winning the state championship in 2018, Atkinson was sidelined with an injury last season.

“It was very warm,” Atkinson said after Saturday's finish at the season-opening meet. “Coming off surgery isn't easy. I have a long ways to go.”

The senior easily finished first in his wave and earned 16th overall with a time of 20:27.50.

Atkinson is determined to improve every week and at each competition.

“I'm not running for myself. I'm running for my community, for my town,” Atkinson said. “I'm here for all the little kids to look up to me and all the adults who have been supporting me.”

He is looking forward for the chance to compete in front of some of his supporters during the Poplar Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 5.

“It would be amazing if I could win at home,” he added.

Poplar's boys placed seventh with 175 points at the meet.

Polito Garfield of Poplar finished 40th at 22:22.55. Morgan Mathison placed 51st at 23:00.10.

Geordy Medicine Cloud earned 62nd place at 23:54.05. Kobe Darnell took 66th at 24:33.16.

Thomas Jerome placed 75th with a time of 27:57.58. Delray Lilly placed 84th at 31:50.14.

On the girls' side, Poplar's Allie Azure was all smiles after her race. She earned All-State honors as a freshman, but couldn't compete because of an injury last year.

“It was super fun,” the junior said. “I didn't miss the hot weather though.”

Azure won her wave and placed 20th overall at 26:35.72.

“I need to work on my time,” she said.

Poplar's girls placed seventh in the team standings with 178 points.

Jazmyn Carry Water, a sophomore, of Poplar finished 32nd at 28:15.73. Teagan Escarcega earned 42nd at 29:18.00.

Mailey Wells placed 44th at 29:27.81. Gracelynn Medicine Cloud finished 66th at 34:15.78. Jayme Red Boy took 71st at 38:50.47.