By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ and girls’ cross country teams did not have similar results at last Thursday’s Maple River Invitational.
They were more like, exact.
Both squads finished ninth among 11 schools, both with 226 points.
T.J. Schiltz ran a strong race to lead the boys, taking third with a time of 17:32. Following for NRHEG were Jade Waltz, 42nd, 20:43; Raece Johnson, 55th, 22:12; Tyler Holz, 64th, 25:03; and C.J. Schiltz, 65th.
“T.J. was very focused for this race as he was familiar with much of his competition,” said NRHEG coach Mike Weber. “I thought he ran well and is getting his time down. It was good seeing him placing high on the winner’s podium. Jade took nearly a minute from his time of last week. He also looked well. Raece improved from last week and seemed to be feeling better. Tyler placed fourth for us, and this might have been his best placing team-wise going back through last year. C.J. had his first varsity run of the season and the coaches were happy with his results.”
Madelia-Truman won the boys’ meet with 35 points, followed by Maple River with 83.
Katherine Lewer again led the girls, finishing 17th in 17:48. Following for the Panthers were Shantaya Olson, 38th, 19:44; Crystal Olson, 49th, 20:36; Destinee Meyer, 51st, 21:35; and Megan Conley, 58th, 23:18.
“Katherine improved her time by a minute to take the awards stand at the meet,” said Weber. “She was much sharper this race. Shantaya also improved her time greatly and looked like the Shantaya we are used to seeing. Crystal had a rough beginning to the race, but recovered nicely. Destinee continues to improve and drop time. Megan scored the final points for us. It was a fun meet, as each girl dropped time from last week. It is a rare feat when everyone has a good race.”
USC/AC won the girls’ meet with 51 points. Blue Earth Area was second with 61.
The Panthers hosted their annual invitational Tuesday. They run at Blooming Prairie Sept. 27.
