By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Led by senior Emily Sechrist, Hillsboro’s small team of cross country runners had a strong showing Saturday at Wamego.

Etching another milestone, Sechrist claimed victory over almost 100 runners for the third year in a row with a time of 15 minutes and 21 seconds in a 4K.

“Emily ran her fastest time ever on the course by 18 seconds,” coach Stuart Holmes said. “To be that much faster this early in the season is a great sign and a credit to her summer training. She is fit and ready to run fast.”

Senior Karyn Leihy medaled in 24th place with a time of 17:41. Woelk said she is off to a great start. Her time was a little over one minute faster than last year at the same course.

In the junior varsity boys 5K run, sophomore Jonathan Hinerman medaled in 13th place out of 166 runners with a time of 19:43.

“He really persevered through a tough hilly course and showed a lot of grit,” Holmes said.

It was sophomore Tristan Donaldson’s first meet of the season. He finished with a time of 24:49 in 135th place. Woelk said it was a good race and learning experience for Donaldson.

Hillsboro runs next on Tuesday at Southeast of Saline.