NMS cross country competes at host Invite

NORWALK — The Norwalk Middle School cross country program competed in its host Invitational on Sept. 21 at the high school. The NMS girls finished in second place and the boys placed third. On the girls side, Olive Leavitt was first overall with a season best time of 13:04. She was followed by Layla Koch in eighth with a time of 14:40. Others who competed included Raelyn Konik (15:49); Nora Whaley (16:17), Krista Bergman (17:07); and Saira (17:14) and Sarah Cruz (17:20). The lineup was rounded out by Malayna Sullivan (18:33), Izzie Jamison (19:41) and Emelia Bravo (22:50).Josiah Metcalf led the NMS boys team in seventh place with a time of 13:18. He was followed closely by Caleb Cross in ninth with a time of 13:42. Others who competed for the Truckers included Anthony Filpo (15:02); Cody Miller (15:07); Karson Seitz (15:36); and Parker Good (15:36). Rounding out the boys lineup included Reid Thompson (15:44), Jude Bundren (16:48) and Zak McKenna (19:39). "This was another warm race as we ran the last two races of the day, but the kids did great," NMS head coach Dave Daniels said. "All of the runners are looking strong coming into the last three weeks of the regular season. "Just like all sports, halfway through the year, we are working through some injuries and soreness. Young and inexperienced runners are learning the importance of stretching, taking care of your body by proper nutrition and hydration." On Saturday, NMS heads to the Eagle Invitational held at Maumee Bay State park. The team then has a tri-meet with Edison on Oct. 5 and the Sandusky Bay Conference championships on Oct. 12 in Tiffin. "It should be a very competitive race since no other team has ran it," Daniels said about the weekend race. "We're looking for some fast time since the weather will be cooler."