Cross Country Competes in First to the Finish Invite

Submitted by Tayloran Atwell

On Saturday, the GHS Boys Cross Country team traveled to Detweiler Park in Peoria to compete in the First to the Finish Invite. The meet gives our athletes the opportunity to race against some of the best 2A schools in the state while also competing on the course that hosts the IHSA State Finals. Detweiler is one of the flatter and faster courses the Leafs compete on throughout the season.

Saturday’s race saw many personal and season-best performances for the Leafs!

In the 2A Boys 3.0-mile race, which featured 460 runners, Henley Bourne led the way for the Leafs, finishing 13th with a time of 15:20.5 and earning a medalist finish. The race winner, from Morris, crossed the finish line in 14:33.4. Greyson Claerhout also finished in the Top 100, placing 82nd in 16:30.2. Will Ehlert finished 128th in 17:08.9, followed closely by Kael McCord, who placed 142nd in 17:16.2, and Henry Woodward, who finished 162nd in 17:25.2.

Rounding out the Leafs’ varsity lineup were Ephraim Mueller (228th, 18:02.7), Rylan Carlson (315th, 18:55.6), and Fritz Bolme (320th, 19:01.7).

As a team, the Leafs finished 18th with 513 points.

Brooklyn Smith was the lone Lady Leaf competitor, racing in the 2A Girls 3.0-mile race. Brooklyn turned in an impressive performance, finishing 7th with a time of 18:31.1 and earning a medalist finish. She continues to look toward the postseason as she works to earn All-State honors once again.

Leafs Results: 

Varsity Girls: 

  • Brooklyn Smith - 7th - 18:31.1 - Medalist

Varsity Boys: 

  • Henley Bourne - 13th - 15:20.5 - Medalist

  • Greyson Claerhout - 82nd - 16:30.2

  • Will Ehlert - 128th - 17:08.9

  • Kael McCord - 142nd - 17:16.2

  • Henry Woodward - 162nd- 17:25.2

  • Ephraim Mueller - 228th - 18:02.7

  • Rylan Carlson - 315th - 18:55.6

  • Fritz Bolme - 320th - 19:01.7

Full Results can be found at https://live.raceresultsplus.com/meets/77378/teams/1763027.

The Leafs and Lady Leafs will be back in action on Saturday, September 19, at the Geneseo Invite, held at Richmond Hill. The meet will also be Senior Recognition and Autograph Day!