BENTON -- The Benton High School girls cross country team finished first out of 32 schools Monday at the Benton Invitational held at the city park.
Earning medalist honors and setting a new course record was senior Mia McLain, who turned in a time of 16 minutes, 57 seconds.
Freshman Mia Wills was fifth overall and second-fastest BHS runner with a clocking of 18:59. Sophomore Hailey Wallace was sixth overall in 19:24. Addisyn Miller, a junior, was ninth in 19:42. And senior Madi McLain was 10th with a time of 19:48.
The Rangerettes had a team score of 31 followed by Du Quoin (59), Breese Mater Dei (79 and Carterville (144).
On the boys' side, the Rangers placed second with 69 points, just points behind Marion (65 points). Christ Our Rock Lutheran of Centralia was third (91) followed by Du Quoin in fourth (124).
Top individual runner for BHS was junior Reece Johnson, who earned medalist honors with a time of 15 minutes, 14 seconds. Landon Swiney of Du Quoin was second overall at 15:29.
Senior Brady Gischer of the Rangers was third overall and second-best for BHS with a clocking of 15:34. Sophomore Chase Owens was 12th in 16:04. Senior Joey Sample was 14th in 16:22. And junior Parker Sieveking was 46th in 17:43.
Both squads will compete Saturday at the West Frankfort Regional. Benton will host the Class 1A sectional on Saturday, Nov. 2.
