By NICHOLAS KIMBALL and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Marion took home another first place as a team in Thursday’s cross-country meet at Bethel College, the first race Goessel has played host for in more than 40 years.

Marion’s victory on the flat, fast course in North Newton was third time this season that Marion had won as a group.

Individually, Gavin Wasmuth finished first with a season-best time of 16:51.31. Right behind him was Luke Wessel, coming in at fifth. Christopher Beery impressed, placing seventh, as did freshman Eli Klenda, coming in eighth and Tristen Dye medaling at 10th place.

“To see the results today and this group compete says a lot about them and their commitment to what we are trying to accomplish,” coach Jason Hett said. “They are a fun group, and these next two weeks are going to be exciting.”

Marion will compete Thursday in Hutchinson.

Several Goessel boys improved their season-best times at the meet at Bethel. Javin Schmidt finished in 19:01.03. Joey Lapp and Karl Raddatz also performed their season best. Cheyenne Sawyer led the Goessel girls with a time of 24:03.01, placing 12th. Freshman Delaney Gibson crossed the finish line eight seconds later for 14th place.

Goessel will race Thursday at Harvey County West Lake.