Harriers race at Chief of Nations Invite

By Robert Galbreath, rgalbreath@pinedaleroundup.com
Posted 9/20/23

“From the drumming and traditional dancing taking place as we arrived, to the full war-dressed teen on a white stallion leading runners off the starting line, to the amazing beaded moccasins and full-sized tipi at the team awards and the shared meal after the race,” Brazil said.

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Harriers race at Chief of Nations Invite

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ETHETE – The Jackson Hole High School (JHHS) cross-country team, including Pinedale High School juniors Madison Antonino and Cora Koci, traveled to Ethete for the annual Chief of Nations Invite hosted by Wyoming Indian High School on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Head JHHS Coach Jeff Brazil described the invitational as an “amazing” event.

“From the drumming and traditional dancing taking place as we arrived, to the full war-dressed teen on a white stallion leading runners off the starting line, to the amazing beaded moccasins and full-sized tipi at the team awards and the shared meal after the race,” Brazil said.

The race featured JHHS and Lander as the only large programs with smaller 1A and 2A teams from Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.

“It was fun to get in a smaller race so that we could more clearly see how everyone was racing,” said Brazil.

Antonino captured first place in girls’ varsity, clocking the 5-kilometer course in at 19 minutes, 26.80 seconds, a pace of 6:16 per mile. The PHS junior beat the second-place finisher from Lander by more than 1:30.

“Madison Antonino led the race from start to finish and this was a good mental prep race for next week,” Brazil noted. “Her 1:37 gap on a good runner in Amaya Eddy from Lander shows the work Madison put in.”

Koci snagged 14th place in varsity girls, crossing the finish line with a new personal record of 24:21.97. Koci finished the race close to teammate Aubrey Maestas.

“Working as a dynamic duo throughout the race, which is really going to help them as they progress through the season, were Aubrey Meastas and Cora Koci,” said Coach Brazil. “Their times were really impressive on this tough day of racing.”

Antonino and Koci both played a significant role in the JHHS varsity girls team earning first place at the meet.