Conditions were, according to coach Karol Hunt, less than ideal.

"The wind, heat and hilly course created challenging running conditions," she said. "We focused on places and not times."

The race-winning time on the men's side was 30 minutes, 52 seconds-four to five minutes above the usual time for an 8-kilometer race, Hunt said.

Zac Remboldt (32:53) set the pace for the Tabor men, earning 14th place and his first college medal. "Zac is running really well right now," Hunt said. "He is (showing) nice guys can finish first."

Also competing for the men were Caleb Schroeder (33:53, 19th), Dan Sigley (33:57, 21st), Kyle Larson (33:59, 22nd), Kevin Larson (34:37, 25th), Brandon Voth (34:59, 27th), Ric Johnson (35:56, 32nd) and Jeff Anenson (37:01, 36th).

"(Remboldt, Schroeder and Sigley) have finished in the No. 1 team spot this season," Hunt said. "Having more than one runner capable of leading the team...creates a situation where the guys push each other. It is making us more competitive."

The first three female Bluejays to finisher were Sarah Fogel (21:58), Amber Wiens (22:19) and Shelby Miller (22:20), who medaled in third, fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Ashley Schmidt (24:20) finished fourth on the team, 15th overall and earned her first college medal.

Also competing for Tabor were Heidi Schmidt (24:29, 16th), Carrie Schroeder (24:57, 21st) and Leah Kopper (25:58, 30th).

"It was good to have Heidi back, but we missed Jera (Teselle), who is out with injury," Hunt said. "We have not been at full strength yet this season.

"I am really proud of our performances. It took guts to finish our races and that shows the character of this group."

Coming: The Bluejays will compete Saturday at the Tabor Invitational, its only home meet of the season. Races will be run at Cottonwood Point at Marion Reservoir. The women will run at 10 a.m. and the men at 10:40 a.m.