The Wayne High girls cross country team battled cold, wind and rain to win the Mid State Conference title Thursday afternoon at the Wayne Country Club.
A cold, driving rain greeted the girls about a third of the way through their 5,000-meter competition, but Wayne High was able to finish with four runners in the top 15 to finish with 34 points and claim the team title by 11 points over Norfolk Catholic, who edged out Boone Central/Newman Grove by a single point for runner-up honors.
Hannah Leonard paced the Wayne High girls with a fourth-place finish, while Andrea Torres finished sixth. Marcella Jurotich and Gabi Meyer finished 11th and 13th, respectively. Marta Pulfer and Molly Hoskins also finished in the top 20, placing 17th and 18th.
There was about an hour rain delay before the boys’ race was run as thunderstorms moved into the area. When the race did run, Wayne finished sixth out of the seven full teams in the race, led by Will Anderson’s 17th place time of 19:47.46. Jack Evetovich was 22nd, Brandon Wacker placed 25th, RJ Liska was 33rd, Cole Hobza was 35th and Lucas Longe finished 52nd.
Wayne High will compete in the C-2 district cross country meet on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Albion Country Club.
Girls Team Standings
Wayne 34, Norfolk Catholic 45, Boone Central/Newman Grove 46, Crofton 55, O’Neill 60, Battle Creek 85.
Area Results
WAYNE – 4. Hannah Leonard, 21:34.87; 6. Andrea Torres, 21:52.61; 11. Marcella Jurotich, 22:28.88; 13. Gabi Meyer, 22:30.11; 17. Marta Pulfer, 23:15.47; 18. Molly Hoskins, 23:31.08; 21. Maddie Beair, 23:59.83; 23. Caitlin Janke, 24:11.13; 33. Sarah Greenwald, 25:39.67; 45. Maura Loberg, 30:57.61.
Boys Team Standings
Norfolk Catholic 20, Crofton 24, O’Neill 42, Pierce 78, Boone Central/Newman Grove 82, Wayne 93, Battle Creek 133.
Area Results
WAYNE – 17. Will Anderson, 19:47.46; 22. Jack Evetovich, 20:37.65; 25. Brandon Wacker, 20:49.30; 33. RJ Liska, 21:49.64; 35. Cole Hobza, 21:54.75; 52. Lucas Longe, 25:16.14.
