Braves win boys' XC title

By John Vrancic

ESCANABA - Individual championships eluded area boys' cross country runners in Saturday's Golden K Kiwanis Invitational.

Gladstone, however, earned the large school team title with 64 points. Runner-up Escanaba scored 74 and Kingsford took third at 104.

"We're pleased with that," said Gladstone coach Gary Whitmer. "I think this gives the guys some confidence. Only, we need to get everyone into the 18s in order to compete with teams like Marquette (in the Great Northern Conference and Upper Peninsula Finals)."

Norway junior Andrew Kangas won the 3.1-mile race in 17 minutes, 55 seconds. He was followed by Newberry's Corey Gage (17:59), Westwood's Pat Bradley (18:02), Gwinn's Clinton Bergman (18:07) and Gladstone's Casey Olson (18:25).

"I was battling with the Menominee kid (Adrian Delarosa) for 2-2 miles," said Kangas. "This is a big confidence boost going into the (Mid-Peninsula) conference meet. I'm really excited. Our entire team did real good today."

Delarosa, favoring his right leg, faded to sixth (18:29). Gladstone's Nick Olesak placed ninth (18:48).

Esky, led by Ryan Berhow (18:54), grabbed the next four spots.

"Our boys did very well," said Esky coach Jessica Menard. "Our pack running is getting better and better. James Schmidt is really stepping up and Shane Myrick is pushing him, and Cody Cousineau and Jack Klim are doing great for first-year runners."

Munising, as expected, dominated the small schools with 18 points. Rudyard took second at 45 and defending champ Stephenson took third this time with 88.

The Mustangs, led by sophomore Jake Mahoski, grabbed the top four places and seven of the top 12.

"That's what we came here to do," said Munising coach Fran DesArmo. "You have your ups and downs, but we're getting too close to the end of the season for that to happen. We wanted to show where we're at. I was pretty excited to see our guys take the top four places."

Mahoski won 16:56, with senior Alex Zaleski runner-up in 17:40.

"I had a pretty good pace going after the downhill (half-mile into race), and I kept it going," said Mahoski. "We had good races from everybody on our team. The competition in practice definitely helps. You have to work hard to keep your position."

Rapid River's Darrell Kohli was the top area finisher in 20th (19:32).

Munising's Kyle Christian was the jayvee winner in 19:28, with Gladstone's Caleb Cox runner-up at 19:47.