The NRHEG cross country teams opened the season at the Fairmont Early Bird Invitational Friday, Aug. 26.
Runners competed with those in their grade only, resulting in scores using four individuals. It was a 2.5-mile race, shorter than usual.
Fairmont dominated the boys’ meet with 13 points. St. James and Stewartville were second at 25. The Panthers finished eighth with 54, defeating Medford with 83.
Places for the Panthers: Josh Fleming, second, 15:27; Ben Lewer, fifth, 15:47; Jagger Beck, 13th, 17:44; Braden Routh, 16th, 18:03; Kollin Reese, 18th, 18:22; Orin Mely, 21st, 21:21.
“Josh had a great start to his season,” said NRHEG coach Mike Weber. “Ben also came strong out of the blocks. Jagger, in his initial race as a cross-country runner, did very well. Jagger showed potential today to get lower times as he gets comfortable with a 3-mile course. Braden bettered last year’s time by 45 seconds. Kollin looks to be a consistent scoring varsity runner this season.”
Three freshmen ran for the girls. Jade Mely was sixth in 20:23, Mia Williams ninth in 21:19 and Destiny Medrano 18th in 25:20.
Stewartville won with nine points, followed by Fairmont with 12.
“Jade was our lead runner, missing a medal by one place, and Mia also placed well,” said Weber. “Last year these three were running junior high to start the season, so they have come a long way since then. We were happy with their results today.”