Ishpeming's Spencer Giroux, front right, leads Manistique's Alex Misniakiewicz, center, and Gogebic's Uriah Aili (217) during the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Division 2 Finals in boys cross country on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Pictured Rocks Golf Club in Munising. Aili won the race with Giroux finishing third and Misniakiewicz sixth. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

MUNISING — Adam Bruce was feeling a little under the weather Saturday, but still found a way to master the competition in the Upper Peninsula Division 1 Cross Country Finals.

Bruce covered the 3.1-mile course in 17 minutes, 5.6 seconds at Pictured Rocks Golf Club for his first title on this chilly, windy and blustery day.

“Adam wasn’t feeling that good in the last mile,” said Braves’ coach Gary Whitmer. “He had gloves on, but couldn’t feel his hands. The wind speed varied so much during the race and I think the second mile into the wind took it out of him.”

Sault Ste. Marie captured its first title in six years with 42 points, followed by defending champ Houghton 65, Gladstone 70 and Marquette 71.

“I don’t remember the last time we beat Marquette,” said Whitmer. “It was really exciting for our guys. We weren’t that far behind second. Our guys were giving so much. They didn’t have anything left. This was a pretty solid performance by the guys. We went 1-3-5 and our No. 4 and 5 runners weren’t that far apart. Some were close to their personal-best.”

Bruce was followed by Houghton junior Joe Wood (17:35.1), classmate Jake Strasler (17:40.1), Sault junior Kaaleb Ranta (17:47.8) and Braves’ freshman Giovanni Mathews (17:48).

“My time wasn’t the greatest, but I’m happy with it,” said Bruce. “I’m proud of the way our team ran. If Marquette hadn’t pushed us all year, this wouldn’t have happened. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re pleased. I think this will give us awesome motivation for track.”

Sophomore Derek Douglas was Escanaba’s leader in 23rd (18:38.7).

In D-2, Ishpeming completed the first perfect season in its school’s history, taking its fourth title in five years with 32 points. The Hematites were followed by defending champ Gogebic 47 and Newberry 70.

Gogebic senior Uriah Aili ran the day’s fastest time at 17:02.5, followed by classmate Devon Byers (17:16) and Ishpeming senior and defending champ Spencer Giroux (17:33.9).

Manistique junior Alex Misniakiewicz placed sixth (18:20.5).

Chassell was crowned D-3 champion for the fourth time in five years with 41 points, followed by defending champ Brimley 54, Rudyard 72 and Rapid River 156.

Brimley junior Austin Plotkin repeated as champion at 17:23.5, followed by Cedarville junior Thomas Bohn (17:29.5) and Brimley sophomore Cameron Hoornstra (17:46.2).

North Central senior Griffin Johnson was the area’s pacesetter in 17th (19:16.8) and Rapid River was led by sophomore Ismael Hernandez in 21st (19:32.2).