ALBION — Early September has proven often to be hot for cross country runners.
Such was the case again this year for Elgin Public-Pope John as they opened the season Friday at the Albion Country Club.
Senior Samantha Stuhr began her journey towards a possible state tournament selection by finishing the 5,000 meter course in a time of 25:50.1, good enough for 39th place.
Winning the girls division was Tayla Hurner of Wayne who crossed the finish line in 19:38.6. Placing second was Meyla Sukup of North Central with a time of 21:04.1. Altogether, 88 girls competed in the race.
In the boys division, O’Neill’s Max Berg finished first with a time of 17:51.7. Second place went to Miles Clausen of Boone Central with a time of 17:57.1.
Wolfpack junior Matthew Kerkman placed 81st with a time of 23:20.0. Altogether, 134 boys competed.
“First meet of the season is in the books!” Coach Shanda Schindler said. “The Wolfpack XC runners took on one of the season’s biggest, toughest meets and battled through not so favorable weather.”
Sixteen schools sent runners to the meet.
