Runners medal
at year’s first meet

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL
and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Marion

Three Warriors medaled in the Top 10 in their first meet of the season Thursday at Abilene.

“This was the first time we have attended this meet, and I was very proud of how we performed,” coach Jason Hett said. “They structured this meet a little different than most by having all freshman and sophomores run together, and juniors and seniors run together.”

Eli Klenda led the boys’ team, placing second. Brooklyn Beery led the girls with a sixth-place finish. Hugh Guetterman finished ninth for the boys in his first race ever.

“Beery is getting stronger and more confident,” Hett said. “Eli ran a smart race and looked strong with a second-place finish. He is running angry this season and has been fun to watch. And Hugh ran a great race for his first meet.”

Other finishers for the boys’ side included Zayden Janzen in 13th, Harrison Beery in 14th, and Landon Levis in 17th.

On the girls’ side, Jessica Methvin placed 15th; Izy Branson, 18th; and Anani Ensley 19th.

The Warriors’ next meet will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Wamego.

Hillsboro

Three girls medaled when the Trojans ran Thursday at Clearwater.

Riley Richert placed second, Quinlyn Funk took third, and Jaidyn Frantz finished 14th.

“It was a good start to the season, and we will see where we go from here as we continue to train,” coach Brielle Loewen said.

Like Marion, Hillsboro will continue its season Saturday in Wamego.

Goessel

The Bluebirds picked up several medals Thursday at Abilene.

Eli Gaeddert placed third out of 51 runners with a time of 17:23.40 for the 5,000-meter race. Aidan Impson broke the 20-minute barrier with a seventh-place finish at 19:35.10.

Thursday, the Bluebirds will participate in a meet at Hesston.

Five newcomers joined Elaina Graber at the girls’ meet at Abilene. Madelyn Olson placed ninth, finishing in 26:03.50.

Lara Unger was 15th; Emma Wappler, 18th; Moriah Guhr, 20th; Elaina Graber, 23rd; and Maja Zimmerman, 25th.

Goessel will race Thursday at Hesston Golf Park.

Centre

Kole Kroupa finished in 18th place when Cougar runners competed Thursday at Abilene.

“I think for our first meet the kids ran well,” coach Caleb Reimer said. “Couldn’t ask for better weather. Lots of season and races ahead of us yet this year.”

Centre will compete Saturday at Wamego.