Staff writer
Goessel runners showed much improvement over last year in the hot winds at Clearwater on Thursday, with four runners claiming medals in the 30-team event.
Julia Nightengale captured 14th in the freshman/sophomore two-mile race. Lauren Rymill placed 19th in the junior/senior two-mile division. A new distance this year for the girls was the 5,000-meter race, and Jen Meysing finished 27th.
“Nightengale and Rymill improved over two minutes from last year at this race,” coach Brian Lightner said. “Madeline Meier was over one minute faster.”
The boys also showed improvement at the first race of the season. Newcomer, Devon LeRoy finished in 20 minutes and earned the 28th medal.
“Zach Wiens improved 25 seconds,” Lightner said.
Three exchange students from Germany are on the teams this year and have experienced cross country for the first time.
Goessel will compete at Hesston Golf Park on Thursday.