Bulldogs capture 9 of 11 top spots at Tolono meet
By Fred Kroner
Mahomet-Seymour’s Adam Smigielski was the individual winner in the season-opening boys’ junior high cross-country meet on Thursday (Aug. 17) at Tolono Unity.
Smigielski ran the 2-mile course in 11 minutes and 43 seconds.
The runner-up was teammate Noah Crane in 12:01.
In all, nine of the top 11 finishers were from M-S. Following Smigielski and Crane were Caleb Zulauf (third in 12:06), Will Bednar (fifth in 12:24), Liam Burwell (sixth in 12;25), Carter Alderks (seventh in 12:30), Grant Morphew (ninth in 13:01), Kiptyn Fan (10th in 13:05) and Elijah Beyer (11th in 13:07).
M-S coach Lisa Martin said that in all races on opening night, the team leaders were “supported by a strong group of runners that pushed each other through the tough race.”
In the 1-mile sixth-grade race, seven of the top 10 placers were wearing Bulldog jerseys.
The school’s top finisher was Graham Smolich (third in 6:26.36). He was followed by Gavin McMinn (fourth in 6:34.75), Gavin Vanskike (fifth in 6:36.75), Luke Nickrent (sixth in 6:37.92), Hunter Shingleton (seventh in 6:45.05), Kylar Nargelenas (eighth in 6:50.23) and Wyatt Kearns (10th in 6:55.20).
M-S is scheduled to return to action on Thursday (Aug. 24) at Danville North Ridge.
