Led by junior Cody McMillen, the young Hillsboro cross country team placed seventh Saturday in a field mostly of of Class 5A and 6A runners at the J.K. Gold Classic at Augusta.
McMillen placed third overall in 17 minutes, 5 seconds, which bettered his career personal best by 40 seconds.
"He ran 275 miles this summer and has the base to have a very successful season," said coach Stuart Holmes.
Finishing 16th was senior Sean Leihy, who ran the 5-kilometer course in 17:47.
"Sean also earned a medal and had a good time and has been running well in practice," Holmes said. "He too h ad a good summer running and looks ready to have a good year.
Following the two Trojan letter-winners were freshman Nathan Vogel (44th, 19:47), sophomore Nicholas Mueller (45th, 19:55), junior Johnathon Christian (47th, 20:02), sophomore David Loewen (55th, 20:37) and Sophomore David Klenda (58th, 21:00).
"For Nathan, Nicholas and David, this was their first cross-country race ever," Holmes said. "They are off to an excellent start."
In the girls' varsity race, Hannah Marsh covered the 2-mile course in 15:39 to place 44th and Elissa Richert finished 47th in 15:58.
Competing for Hillsboro in the boys' junior varsity race were: J. Michael Hiebert (24th, 21:00), Zach magnuson (31st, 21:15), Cody Blackketter (34th, 21:30), Daniel Miller (36th, 21:40), David Ratzlaff (38th, 21:54), Alex Jost (44th, 22:34), Nick Carlson (50th, 23:08), Sam Bookless (54th, 23:25), Tyrel Blecha (57th, 23:53), Lance Kliewer (58th, 23:54).
Competing in the JV race for girls were: Heidi Schroeder (fourth, 14:26), Jessica Elliott (sixth, 14:39) and Brittany McInnis (16th, 15:45).
Coming: The Trojans will compete at Wamego on Saturday. Races start at 9 a.m. Wamego is the site of the state meet at the end of the season.
