Benton sweeps team titles at Pinckneyville cross country opener


Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

PINCKNEYVILLE — With some modifications, the high school cross country season is underway. Pinckneyville welcomed Anna-Jonesboro, Benton, Herrin, Sparta, and West Frankfort for Tuesday’s season opening meets.

The IHSA rules for competing during the pandemic limit the number of teams and people attending. No spectators were allowed at Tuesday’s meet–only competitors, race officials and a handful of media members.

Benton swept the girls and boys team titles. The Rangerettes put four in the top six to win the girls.

The Rangers had three of the top four finishers, including freshman Gavin Genisio who won his first high school competition.

Benton freshman Gavin Genisio crosses the finish line to win his first high school meet.

Anna-Jonesboro’s Brodie Denny dominated the girls’ race, winning by 1:20.
Anna-Jonesboro sophomore Brodie Denny heads to the finish line for the season opening win.

Here are the final results:
Girls–Team
Benton 28
Pinckneyville 48
Anna-Jonesboro 71
Herrin 117
West Frankfort 120
Sparta NTS

Girls–Individual
1) Brodie Denny, Anna-Jonesboro 21:43
2) Hailey Wallace, Benton 23:03
3) Addisyn Miller, Benton 23:12
4) Mia Wills, Benton 23:37
5) Taylor Kurtz, Pinckneyville 24:02
6) Peyton Tieffel, Benton 24:10
7) Sofia Castellano, Pinckneyville 24:20
8) Gayle Winter, Pinckneyville 24:31
9) Hayley Drake, Sparta 24:43
10)Sadie Hamilton, Sparta 24:56

Boys–Team
Benton 33
Pinckneyville 44
Anna-Jonesboro 63
Herrin 92
West Frankfort 129
Sparta 152

Boys–Individual
1) Gavin Genisio, Benton 17:23
2) Reece Johnson, Benton 17:43
3) Isaac Teel, Pinckneyville 18:18
4) Mason Tieffel, Benton 18:39
5) Blake Mays, Anna-Jonesboro 19:14
6) Daniel Garavaglia, Pinckneyville 19:31
7) Ruben Pullum, Herrin 19:37
8) David Wegner, Pinckneyville 19:40
9) Merrit Simpkins, Herrin 19:53
10) Beto Vaca Diaz, Anna-Jonesboro 20:03