Linn-Mar High School - Marion, Iowa

Jenks, Evans pace Linn-Mar to titles

MARSHALLTOWN - Linn-Mar freshman Stephanie Jenks ran so fast in the rain Thursday that she didn't get wet.

That's a slight exaggeration, but not much.

Jenks shrugged off the steady raindrops in Marshalltown and won the Class 4A state qualifier by 44 seconds to help the Lions claim the team championship.

It was a good (but soggy) day all around for the Linn-Mar cross country teams.

Josh Evans, sidelined for a month with leg and hip ailments, returned to action and helped the Lions capture the boys title by finishing second in the individual standings, just one second behind the winner.

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Josh Evans plans to run at state qualifier

Linn-Mar junior Josh Evans, plagued by injuries this season, plans to run Thursday in the Class 4A state qualifier cross country meet at Marshalltown, according to Coach Todd Goodell.

Evans has not competed in a race since winning the Heartland Classic in Ames on Sept. 15. He has been bothered by leg and hip ailments since then.

Evans vaulted to No. 1 in the state rankings after winning the Heartland Classic, but has since fallen to 23rd because he has not competed in four weeks.

Evans placed second at the state meet last year as a sophomore.

Linn-Mar makes City High pay for mistakes

As it turned out, “Turnover Tuesday” turned the tide for Linn-Mar Friday on Senior Night.

The Lions made the most of three Iowa City High fumbles and an interception to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 33-20 win at Linn-Mar Stadium.

“We practice on turnovers every day,” said Linn-Mar Coach Bob Forsyth. “But on Tuesday, we put a special emphasis on turnovers. The defense has to get a number of them. Otherwise, they run.”

The Lions (3-5) could manage only 160 yards of total offense against the banged up Little Hawks (4-4). But big plays more than made up for the less-than-impressive offensive numbers.

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Linn-Mar harriers sweep Valley titles

DUBUQUE - Freshman Stephanie Jenks ran a torrid pace to claim first place and guided Linn-Mar to the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division girls cross country title Thursday at the Dubuque Soccer Complex.

The Lions placed six runners in the top 10 and whipped second place Cedar Falls, 26-51.

Jenks ran a 4-kilometer time of 13 minutes, 21 seconds that beat second place Allison Gregg by 40 seconds.

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