Running in great weather against a competitive field, the Hillsboro boys' cross-country team placed fifth and the girls 11th at the Southeast of Saline Invitational last Tuesday.
"Many of the athletes had their best race of the season so far," said coach Stuart Holmes. "The kids gave an effort they should feel good about."
In a field of 15 teams that included some of the top runners in classes 2A, 3A and 4A, the Trojans boys compiled 145 points to finish behind Southeast of Saline (73), Clay Center (91), Sterling (99) and Abilene (119).
Even though he battled a bad blister through the second half of the 5-kilometer course, Cody McMillen again led the Trojans by placing 11th in 17 minutes, 45 seconds.
Sean Leihy placed in 16th in 21:36, Nicholas Mueller 23rd in 23:26, Johnathan Christian 41st in 19:24 and Nathan Vogel 55th in 19:51 to round out the team scoring.
Also competing were Matthew Klenda (59th, 20:01) and Brandon McMillen (60th, 20:02).
Meanwhile, freshman Jessica Elliott lowered her own school record by 28 seconds for the new 4-kilometer distance for girls by placing 33rd in a time of 18:06.
Her performance led the Trojans to 11th place in a 13-team field with 237 points. Smoky Valley won the team title with 95 points.
Also contributing to the Trojan team score were Elissa Richert (43rd, 18:25), Brittany McInnis (56th, 19:06), Heidi Schroeder (59th in 19:25) and Hannah Marsh (61st in 19:44).
Coming-Hillsboro will compete Thursday at the Berean Invitational, which is run at the Harvey County East Park. Races begin at 4 p.m.
