Van Buren County runs at Burlington’s cross-country race

WEST BURLINGTON — Van Buren County freshman Payten Poling has been going it alone in some varsity races this season as she tries to be the next state qualifier for the Warriors. Or one of the next anyway.

The future is looking promising with a winner in the boys junior high meet and a second place in the girls. Lincoln Bainbridge ran to first in 12 minutes, 15 seconds and Van Buren County teammate on the girls team, Rylee Philips placed second in 13:53.

Poling is learning the ropes from senior Faith Neeley, who has been to the state meet but has battling health issues.

The two ran together Thursday during the Tony Proctor Invitational at the Burlington Regional RecPlex. Poling finished sixth in 21 minutes, 26 seconds, while Neeley was eighth in 22:05.

“It’s a little bit harder adjusting because I’m not running against the JV, but It’s nice to have a senior up there with me," Poling said. “Luckily I’m not the only one on my team. Faith really helps me pace myself during races.”

Part of that help is as much mental as physical and involves some work on spirituality as well as social skills.

“I’m learning to keep the right mindset when I’m running, to keep going,” Poling said. “(Faith has) really motivated me to not give up during races and she’s helped me learn to be super nice to people around us and just talk. It’s really nice when we’re able to pray before meets because it makes us feel like a team.”

Poling did not like the course because of the unsure footing and the flat design. She has said she has an advantage on hills.

“It was pretty good except for the baseball field,” Poling said. “It sucked running on the gravel part because you feel like you’re about to slip every time.”

Davenport Central had the top three finishers, led by Hannah Ford’s time of 18:38, to win the team race. Central’s boys team also won, but the individual winner was Miles Sheppard of West Hancock (Illinois) with a time of 15:26.

Whilen there were only two Warriors females running, there were four boys for Van Buren County. Chase Clark ran the course in 20:06 to place 24th.

Van Buren County

Girls — 6. Payten Poling 21:26; 8. Faith Neeley 22:05

Boys — 24. Chase Clark 20:06; 29. Isaiah Meek 21:05; 33. Zane Smith 21:31; 36. Grant Lilley 22:19.