It was a wet and difficult course, but that didn’t bother Josh Fleming.
The NRHEG junior made the most of it at the Maple River Invitational Thursday, Sept. 17, leading the Panther boys’ cross country team with an 11th-place overall finish.
“Josh took time off from last week and made the award stand,” said NRHEG coach Mike Weber.
His time of for the course was 20:14.
Following for the Panthers were Zach Mely, 25th, 21:25; Ben Lewer, 31st, 21:47; Braden Routh, 50th, 24:06; Jorey Fischer, 54th, 24:47; Orin Mely, 56th, 25:22; and Aaron Seath, 57th, 26:33.
NRHEG was without senior Tyler Schlaak.“As the second runner, Zach continues running very well,” said Weber. “Ben was a solid third for us. Braden had a good meet, while Jorey followed him with a good kick on the end of his race. Orin also took time off from last week. It was a muddy run through the rain this evening, but the boys managed to do well in spite of the weather.”
Blue Earth Area won the boys’ division with 59 points. Maple River was second with 70. The Panthers were last among eight schools with 167.
The NRHEG girls again had three runners.
Jade Mely place 22nd in 26:21, Mia Williams 27th in 27:13 and Katharine Lewer 28th in 27:13.
WEM won with 54 points, six better than Maple River.
“Jade has led the girls in the past two races,” said Weber. “She continues improving. Mia and Katharine ran a nice race together for nearly all of the race. While it rained for the boys’ race, the girls endured a hot and humid run.”
It was miserable weather for them, but they can be happy with their results.”
The Panthers run Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Blooming Prairie.