Cochrane cross-country runners had great success at the various zone championships last week and several will be competing in this Saturday's Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) provincials in Red Deer.

Five cross-country runners of the St. Timothy High School qualified by finishing in the top 10 of their respective age groups at the Calgary Zone/City Championships.

In intermediate boys, Brendan Maguire placed fourth, and Nick Hooper fifth.

In senior girls, Holly Moores won bronze, and Makenna Myatt was seventh.

Caden Jones place seventh in junior boys.

St. Timothy's intermediate boys and senior girls each finished third in their age group.

Coach Travis Cummings was impressed with the placements. He says their teams were small, but strong performances placed them near the top.

In the south-central zone championships, the Cochrane High team was third overall. Seven of their athletes have advanced to the provincials.

In intermediate girls, Millie Teskey finished 6th, and Katie Smith was10th. Clay Grattidge was fourth in intermediate boys.

Esther Sieben says the story of the zones for the Cobras was the performance of their junior girls. Csenia Irvin won gold, Ava Zarowny silver, Grace Beach finished fourth, and Navee Oosterveld placed 5th.

"We're so proud of these girls and their work ethic," says Sieben.

Sieben gives a huge shout-out to the Cochrane High Cobra coaches Gisela Boelhoewer and Stephanie Bennett, as well as Cochrane Endurance Project coach Travis Cummings. She also salutes Strathmore High School and Trochu Golf and Country Club for a tremendous job hosting.

"It was a great course, and the cross-country runners were challenged. Overall, our individual and team performances were commendable."

"What a great day for cross-country running."

A big change in the ASAA provincials this year is the number of athletes qualifying. Typically, there are 18 per zone, but that has been dropped to 10 this year due to the pandemic.