Emerson Bautsch of Marysville is pictured competing during the Pickerington North Classic. The Lady Monarchs won their division of the race. (Photo submitted)
A hot and humid day greeted Marysville’s cross-country runners on Saturday.
The Monarchs opened their 2021 campaign by competing in the 31st annual Pickerington North Classic.
The Lady Monarchs captured top honors in the Bengal Division with 64 points.
The boys were a close runner-up to DeSales with 71 during their race.
Bryn Hothem of MHS broke the tape in the girls race with a time of 20:04.
Jack Flanagan was Marysville’s top boys finisher. He was fifth in 17:26.
The remainder of the top seven runners for MHS were as follows:
Girls
Bailey Gross, second, 20:05, Emerson Bautch, ninth, 21:03; Ava Elliott, 22nd, 21:50; Alyssa Rodman, 32nd, 22:23; Kaylee Morton, 40th, 22:46 and Molly Gregory, 42nd, 22:58.
Boys
James Heap, ninth, 17:42, Blake Murgatroyd, 13th, 17:52; Levi Weithman, 21st, 18:17; Tyler Heap, 23rd, 18:21; Evan Donohue, 24th, 18:22; and Brian Boston, 18:45.
“The team was excited to race and open the season after such a long summer of training,” said Monarch coach Luke Sundermeier.
“Overall, there were strong races up and down our roster,” he said. “We collectively ran more than 10,000 miles over the summer and it shows.
“Approximately 76% of our athletes either ran a PR (personal record) or came close today.
“We have a lot of new faces in the top seven and there will be plenty of internal competition for those spots.
“For now, we will regroup and get back to work for much bigger goals ahead,” said Sundermeier.
The Monarchs will next compete Saturday evening for the Wapakoneta Night Classic.