The Warriors claimed their second straight boys’ title at the Heart of America league meet at Hutchinson on Saturday.
Aaron Topham led the Warriors with a personal-record time for 5 kilometers of 18 minutes, 16 seconds. Topham placed second to Josiah Busenitz of Berean.
Four other PBHS runners ran career-best times and all earned league recognition. Duane Unruh (6th, 18:35) and Ryan Wiebe (10th, 18:44) made the all-league team. Josh Klarmann (12th, 18:52) and Kendall Wiebe (14th, 18:59) were honorable-mention selections.
Coach Kim Topham said, “The guys came ready to defend their team title and ran really smart races. It was a total team effort that helped them to bring home the first place trophy and earn a banner in the gym. I was extremely pleased with their effort.”
For the girls, Lauren Pickens received honorable mention with a 12th-place time of 18:01.
“She ran a great race—one of her fastest times this season,” Topham said. “Running in a varsity race she had to push herself even harder and did an excellent job.”
Erica Frederick (55th, 26:13) and Samantha Frederick (56th, 26:14) finished their high school running with personal best times. Freshman Heather Brooks (57th, 27:42) also set a new personal best.
Peabody-Burns is slated for its regional run at 2 p.m. Saturday at Paradise Pasture Golf Course in Sterling.
Goessel
Jared Reimer finished first for the Bluebirds, taking 21st place among 67 runners at the Heart of America league meet Thursday.
Reimer completed the 5-kilometer course in 19 minutes, 57 seconds, and finished with Johnathan Berkholz (23rd, 20:02) on his heels.
Laird Goertzen (30th, 20:24) finished next, followed by Chad Wedel (40th, 21:06), Marius Schrewe (41st, 21:37), Isaac Fast (42nd, 21:42).
Anthony Esau (44th, 21:44), Jake Schrag (49th, 22:08), Chris Johnston (50th, 22:11), Derek Kruger (56th, 23:35), Travis Duerksen (63rd, 25:29) and Matt Johnston (65th, 26:02).
The GHS boys placed sixth as a team.
Sara Boman (29th, 18:58), Lindsey Wedel (31st, 19:14) and Shanna Klassen (40th, 20:29) ran in the girls’ race.
Goessel is slated for its regional run at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cessna Activities Center in Wichita.
Canton-Galva
Riley Nigh led the Eagles to the line, finishing 43rd with a time of 21 minutes, 44 seconds at the HOA league meet Saturday.
He was followed by Sam Janzen (45th, 21:46), Nathan Bray (51st, 22:13), Nick Skiles (52nd, 22:16), Tad Wedel (53rd, 22:19) and Codey Johnson (58th, 24:07).
For the girls, Caitlin Nelson placed 41st with a 4-kilometer time of 20:48. Michelle Shannon placed 51st in 23:15.
Canton-Galva is slated for its regional run at 2 p.m. Saturday at Paradise Pasture Golf Course in Sterling.
