Goodrich and Brandon’s varsity girls cross country teams once again proved why they are among the top teams in the area.
The Martians and Blackhawks finished first and second, respectively, out of the 15 teams at the Linden Invitational Sept. 24. The Blackhawks finished with 83 points to 21 for Goodrich. St. Clair was third with 88.
‘We were real pleased with our finish,? said Brandon coach Rod Yeacker. ‘Goodrich is very strong and will win the state title again this year so to finish second to them is a fine race. Also, we beat the top competition that we will face at regionals so this puts us in a good position to repeat as regional champions.?
Two-time defending Division 3 state champion Goodrich placed five runners in the top ten at the invite. Leading the way was Kaitlin O’Mara, who won the meet in 18:56.9. Twin sister Kayla O’Mara was right behind in second place at 19:33.22.
Other Goodrich top-ten finishers were Kelsey Meyers (fourth, 19:49.7), Kelsey Krych (sixth, 19:57.2) and Mary Haiderer (eighth, 20:05.7).
Once again leading the charge for Brandon was junior Kelsey Carmean who has been having a terrific season. She finished fifth overall in a time of 19:53. Earlier in the season Carmean also finished third at the Cavalier Classic and second at the Chesaning Invitational. She also won when the team faced Fenton in a dual competition.
‘Kelsey just keeps getting stronger and faster,? said captain Kelly Wilson, who finished 11th overall in a time of 20:08. ‘Kelsey makes some strong moves in the middle of the race and that helps to pull us all along.?
In addition to Carmean and Wilson, individual medals went to Kayla Doan (15th, 20:30) and Jamie Hendershott (18th, 20:50). Sarah Eldon (21:46) rounded out the scoring for Brandon.
Brandon was scheduled to face Lapeer West and Oxford at home Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30 and was also scheduled to host the Brandon Invitational Friday Sept. 30 at Independence Oaks Cty Park.
Meanwhile, the Martians will compete in a league meet Tuesday, Oct. 4 against Mt. Morris and Bendle.