The NRHEG boys’ cross country team opened the season at the Early Bird Invitational at Fairmont Friday, Aug. 28.
The meet had a different format in that each grade ran a separate race.
Josh Fleming led the Panthers, finishing third in 15:21 on a 2.5-mile course. Tyler Schlaak was ninth in 15:99; Ben Lewer 14th, 17:03 Zach Mely, 16th, 17:15; Braden Routh, 26th, 18:49; Aaron Fleming, 28th, 19:21; Jorey Fischer, 26th, 19:42.
Fairmont won the boys’ team title with 21 points. The Panthers were 10th among 14 schools with 68.
“Josh really gave the race top effort,” said Panthers coach Mike Weber. “For the 11th grade, Josh was a medal winner for third place. Tyler also had a good showing and a decent time to be our runner-up. Ben has really improved from last year and looked solid on the course. Zach was right behind Ben with a good finish. Our final point getter for our varsity runners was Braden in his first race for the Panthers.”
NRHEG did not have any girls’ varsity runners in the meet.
The Panthers run Thursday, Sept. 3 at Stewartville.
