The Wayland boys’ varsity cross-country team opened O-K Gold Conference jamboree action Wednesday by taking third place.

Coach Steve Harcourt’s lads were only nine points away from first place and seven from second.

Senior Perry Carter once again paced the Wildcats with a third-place finish and a time of 18:04. Junior Jonathan Zuiderveen came in ninth at 19:24.

Rounding out the scoring were Jeremy Pletcher, in his first race this season, a 12^th in 19:34, Owen Glass 13^th in 19:36 and Caleb Pletcher, 18^th in 20:19.

Wayland scored 55 team points. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won with 46 points and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg had 48. Grand Rapids South Christian had 83 and Hastings finished with 109.

PHOTO: Perry Carter claimed third place in the first O-K Gold Conference jamboree Wednesday to lead Wayland in a very competitive meet.