The Wayland varsity boys’ cross-country team broke a streak of runner-up finishes by taking first Saturday at the Grand Rapids Union Red Hawk Invitational.
The girls’ squad wasn’t so bad, either, tying for first, but settling for second by tie-breaker criteria at Richmond Park.
The Wildcat boys swept the first three places, with Devin Weaver first in 18:06, Dylan Pallett second in 18:18, Travis Koon third in 18:36. Isaac Dyer wasn’t far behind, at seventh in 19:00 and James Butler rounded out the scoring by checking in eighth in 19:18.
It marked the first time this season all Wayland boys captured the top eight spots in any meet. The winning team score was 21, which could even win in a dual meet.
The victory came on very hilly terrain, which slowed the times.
Senior ace Olivia Barabas took first in the girls’ race, in 21:18, Teammate Noelle House was third in 23:19, Elliot Antel fourth in 23:35, Emma Thayer 11th in 25:42 and freshman Megan Stack 21st in 28:27.
The Lady Wildcats’ team score was 40.
The boys’ squad has had an impressive season thus far, taking first or send in every meet, including the O-K Gold Conference jamborees.