By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

A first place finish for Marion’s boys cross-country team earlier this season was no accident.

The Warriors took first place once again last week, but this time at home in Marion.

Senior Gavin Wasmuth finished first with teammate Luke Wessel not far behind in third place.

“He was not going to lose this one today,” coach Jason Hett said.

Senior Christopher Beery had his best run on the season, finishing in sixth place with a time of 17:52:34.

Eli Klenda and Tristen Dye also were part of the medal ceremony, coming in 10th and 11th place.

“Our home course is a great course in the Big M pasture. It is a true cross-country course, not set on a golf course,” Hett said. “I think we have one of the coolest courses, and the rain today helped soften the ground and gave us perfect conditions.”

Also competing in Marion, Goessel runners responded with their best performances of the season.

Javin Schmidt and Joey Lapp both eclipsed the 20-minute barrier, 19:02.19 and 19:41.00, respectively. Cheyenne Sawyer led the Bluebirds in the varsity girls with a 17th place finish and a time of 23:54.92. Delaney Gibson finished first in the junior varsity race, crossing the line in 23:58.38.

Goessel will race Thursday at Harvey County East Lake.

Staff writer Delbert Peters contributed to this story.