Mission Mountain Mercury earns national runner-up finish in Indiana

The Mission Mountain Mercury club delivered one the nation's best performances at the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Shelbyville, Indiana last weekend, highlighted by a national title, a team runner-up finish and six All-American honors. 

Competing against top youth runners from across the country, the Mercury 15–18 girls team placed second overall, led by Morgan Delaney, who became the first USATF national champion in club history. 

The championship races were contested in harsh winter conditions, with temperatures near 15 degrees, strong wind and heavy snowfall blanketing the course. 

“It was brutal conditions with the temperature around 15F with wind and heavy snowfall, which I think ultimately benefited most of our athletes coming from Montana, but was clearly very challenging for all,” Delaney said. 

Despite the weather, the Mercury athletes turned in a series of standout performances. 

In the 15–18 girls race, Morgan Delaney captured the national championship, while Capri Farmer placed ninth, Anna Lewis finished 11th and Kyla Meissner took 17th, all earning All-American honors. Quinn Delaney placed 24th and Annie Adams finished 64th, also earning All-American recognition. Reese Adams rounded out the team with a 72nd-place finish. 

Other Mission Mountain Mercury competitors included Tayshawn Edmo, who placed 86th in the 15–18 boys race; Toren Wenz, who finished 124th in the 13–14 girls division; Porter Shehan, who placed 48th in the 13–14 boys race; and Briggs Delaney, who competed in the 11–12 boys division and finished 271st. 

    Tayshawn Edmo runs the course in 15 degree weather at the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship last weekend. (Jason Delaney Photo)