The NRHEG cross country teams braved hot conditions for the Stewartville Invitational Thursday, Sept. 3.
The boys finished 15th among 16 schools with 389 points. Rochester Area Home School won with 64 and Ottertail Central was second with 69.
Senior Tyler Schlaak led the Panthers, finishing 62nd with a time of 12:41. Following for the Panthers were Ben Lewer, 85th, 13:21; Zach Mely, 86th, 13:22; Aaron Fleming, 107th, 14:32; Jorey Fischer, 116th, 14:32; Orin Mely, 119th, 16:24; and Aaron Seath, 126th, 17:15.
“Tyler led the boys, placing in the upper half of this big meet,” said NRHEG coach Mike Weber. “It was extremely muggy, but all the varsity athletes gave a good effort. Ben continues to run well. He continues to impress. Zach was right behind Ben with another good race. Aaron got his first varsity run and did very well. Rounding out the scoring was Jorey Fischer. As a first-year cross country runner, I think Jorey has been doing everything we have asked and he has been giving a great effort this early season.”
NRHEG did not have a full girls’ squad. Running were Mia Williams, 83rd, 16:39; Katharine Lewer, 74th, 16:40; and Jade Mely, 85th, 16:41.
Lanesboro-Fillmore Central won with 61 points.
“Our three runners on varsity did an excellent job,” said Weber. “Mia took advantage of her first varsity start to lead the Panther ladies. It was exciting to see her do so well when we could tell she was nervous. She got over the nerves early in the race and competed well. Only a step behind Mia was Katharine. She took over a minute off from last year’s race. A step behind Katharine was Jade. It was fun to see all three run together through the finish line and to push one another out on the course.”
The Panthers run Thursday, Sept. 10 at Montgomery.
