Seven of Harrisburg’s eight runners set new personal records at the North Callaway cross country invite, led by Bailey Combs who lowered the Harrisburg school record to 21:26 with a ninth-place finish.

“That is a fast course and we expected the girls to run some good times,” Harrisburg coach Corey Whitaker said.

“By my calculations, it was the fastest team time in program history, barely beating the previous best time from last year's state championship, so that’s encouraging. The temperatures were conducive to that as well.”

Freshman Emma Fischer was 15th with a career-best time of 23:08. Oliva Fischer also had a PR or 23:32, finishing 18th.

New Franklin’s Mallori Burnett also had one of her best meets of the season with a time of 23:48.

“Despite the strong competition and some adverse weather conditions, Mallori had probably her strongest race in several weeks,” New Franklin coach Adam Quest said. 

“She put together a mag-nificent race from start to finish, and ended up in 20th place with her second best time of the season. She is definitely starting to round into peak form, and being that we are entering the home stretch of our season, it is certainly the right time to do that.”

Madison Hessell finished 35th and Katie Starbuck was 40th. The Bulldogs finished fourth out of seven teams. North Callaway finished first with five runners in the top 14. Montgomery County had the top two finishers and placed second overall.

“Abbie Rosson had a stomach bug that kept her out, so Katie Starbuck ended up being our fifth runner and she set a new PR as well in spite of dealing with some cramping during the race. She ran tough,” Whitaker said. 

“Madison Hessell came in as our fourth runner and didn’t PR, but was solid and good encouragement to Katie, as they ran together most of the race. 

“Jessica Gardiner and Jill Davidson really battled for that sixth spot. Neither of them got to condition much this summer due to some injuries, so we are seeing their times drop as their lungs get in better running shape. Rhianna Goyea also has grown in her mental toughness and finished this race well.”

Lilly Chitwood finished 10th in the middle school race with a time of 13:57.

“Lilly probably had the best race of her young career,” Quest said. “She had a great start to the race, and was able to maintain her position throughout the contest.”

Landon Shaw and Lane Hackmen led the New Franklin boys, finishing 26th and 27th out of 66.

Gracie Hargis led the Harrisburg girls, finishing 26th out of 50 runners.

Girls varsity results

9. Baylie Combs Harrisburg 21:26

15. Emma Fischer Harrisburg 23:08

18. Olivia Fischer Harrisburg 23:32

20. Mallori Burnett N Franklin 23:48

35. Madison Hessell Harrisburg 25:17

40. Katie Starbuck Harrisburg 25:41

50. Jill Davidson Harrisburg 26:56

52. Jessica Gardiner Harrisburg 26:59

58. Rhianna Goyea Harrisburg 30:15

Boys varsity results

67. Logan Pierce N Franklin 28:26