In only their second trip to the Spartan Cross Country Invitational, the Goodrich girls cross country team again showed they belonged with the best teams in the state.
The Martians finished fifth overall at the invite, held Friday, Sept. 16 at Forest Akers Golf Course in East Lansing. Goodrich compiled a total of 214 points.
Clarkston won the meet with 93 points, followed by Saline (126) and Rockford (143). Last season, the Martians finished second overall with 143 points, trailing only Clarkston (46).
Kaitlin O’Mara led this year’s group of Martian runners at the Spartan Invite, placing 11th overall with a time of 18:48. Kelsey Krych placed 26th (19:26) and Kelsey Meyers placed 28th (19:26), with both earning medalist honors.
‘That was awesome that they were able to step up into Division 1,? Goodrich coach Jenny Sweet said. ‘We were the only Division 3 school there. Altogether, it was a really good experience for them.?
In addition to the performances of O’Mara, Krych and Meyers, Sweet noted the performance of Kayla O’Mara, whom Sweet said ‘was really sick that day,? yet still managed to place 49th with a time of 19:58.
‘It was a hot day, and it was humid and muggy,? Sweet said. ‘It was a well-run meet and a good course for us.?
Other Goodrich competitors at the invite were Mary Haiderer (20:53), Sam Minkler (21:16) and Danielle Bila (24:04).
Goodrich’s boys cross country team also competed during that weekend, running in the Holly Invitational Saturday, Sept. 17 at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg.
Jeremy Gauthier led the Martian contingent at the meet, placing 89th overall (19:39). Ryan Warner placed 109th (20:53) and Kirk Brittan 11th (20:56).
The Martians were slated to travel to Linden Saturday, Sept. 24 for a league meet.