They may only be freshman, but Kayla and Kaitlin O’Mara have already proven themselves to be the head of the class in Genesee County girls cross country.
The two Goodrich competitors finished first and second overall in leading the Martians to the title at the Genesee County Meet Oct. 2 at Linden’s Byram Park. The Martians finished with 41 points, well ahead of second-place Grand Blanc (75) and third-place Flushing (87).
Goodrich also won the Division II-III portion of the meet with 24 points, beating out second-place Flint Powers (55).
Kayla O’Mara became only the second freshman champion in the 26-year history of the meet, clocking a time of 18:21.5. The only other freshman winner was Bendle’s Carrie Gould in 1992.
O’Mara’s time is also the third fastest by a girl since the meet switched to five kilometers in 1980.
Kaitlin O’Mara joined her sister as the only freshman in the history of the meet to break the 19-minute mark since it switched to 5K, finishing in a time of 18:56. Junior Janee Jones finished fifth in 20:01.1.
The Martians? depth showed in the meet, as sophomore Samantha Minkler placed 14th (20:30) and freshman Kelsey Meyers 19th (20:49.3), personal best times for both competitors, according to Goodrich coach John Shaw. The O’Maras, Jones and Minkler earned medalist honors for placing in the top seven in their division.
The boys team did not place a full squad at the county meet, but four Goodrich runners competed: Jake Custer (31st, 17:31), Jeremy Phan (42nd, 17:57 ? his personal best time, according to Shaw), Zach Glynn (62nd, 18:37) and Tom Schumacher (89th, 20:22).
The Martians return to action Oct. 15 at the Genesee Area Conference league meet.