With standout JuliAnne Chisholm sitting out the hurdle competition, the Trojans girls accumulated 751⁄2 points to finish behind Garden Plain (127) and Smoky Valley (1121⁄2) in the 10-team field.

Chisholm did win the one event she entered, clearing 5-feet-6 in the high jump.

"I decided after her high jump to pull her from her remaining events as she has been nursing a sore quad the past week," said Hillsboro coach Dennis Boldt. "It was purely a precautionary measure as we begin to prepare for the end of our season."

Tina Frick filled the void to some degree by winning the 100-meter hurdles (15.49) and 300-meter hurdles (47.16). Her 300 time was a personal best.

Hannah Marsh picked up gold medals in the long jump (16-1⁄4) and a career-best 200 meters (25.89) and placed second in the pole vault (9-6).

"The girls have been training hard and it is time to begin our final phase of the season as we prepare for the league and regional meets," Boldt said.

Marion, meanwhile, placed sixth with 411⁄2 points. Erin Carr won the Warriors' only gold medal by breaking the 100-meter string (12.54). She also placed second in the 200 (26.45) and third in the triple jump (31-31⁄2).

"Erin Carr continues to get better each week," Marion coach Grant Thierolf said. "Her 100 victory was in a season-best (time)."

Danielle Cope just missed a gold medal, finishing 0.05 seconds behind Halstead's D. Page in the 3,200 meters (12:30.21).

"Danielle ran a very smart race in the 3,200 and finished second, turning in a season-best time," Thierolf said.

In the boys' division, Nate Holmes won the 800 (2:06) and placed second in the 1,600 (4:43.10) to lead the Trojans to 80 team points and a third-place finish behind Smoky Valley (123) and Hesston (94).

Hillsboro's only other gold medal came from David Funk, who cleared 14-0 to win the pole vault by 11⁄2 feet.

Turning in second-place finishes for the Trojans were Michael Suderman in the 400 (53.64) and Cody McMillen in the 3,200 (10:17).

"I can't say it was our best team performance of the year, but yet some good marks were established," Boldt said. "We are not used to coming off an invitational track meet as we did Monday and then turn right around and try to perform again. But I am really proud of our athletes' efforts today.

"The boys have been training extremely hard and it is our time to begin to put the finishing touches on our season as we taper a bit coming into the league meet."

Marion finished in fourth place with 75 team points. Jeremy Vondenkamp led the way with wins in the 110-meter hurdles (15.4) and 300-meter hurdles (40.45). Gavin Moore won the 3,200 meters (10:17) for the Warriors' other gold medal.

"Gavin ran very well as he won the 3,200 run and started our 4x800 relay team off with a great first leg," Thierolf said. "He is gaining confidence each week and really looks strong."

The Warriors' 4x800 team placed second (8:30.41).

As a team, Thierolf said, "We are rounding into shape quite well and really look forward to the league and regional meets, which are both held at Warrior stadium."

Coming-Hillsboro and Marion will be competing at the Mid-Central Activities Association league meet Friday at Marion.

Events begin at 3 p.m.