Gilmer High opened its cross-country season at a familiar location.
GHS and 32 other high schools were in Jasper last Saturday for the annual Pickens Preview. The event routinely draws some of the best teams from metro Atlanta, and this year was no different.
The Bobcats’ day ended with 849 team points for 30th in the boys standings. The Lady Cats scored 817 and finished 28th.
Senior Talyn Mesner was the first Bobcat to cross the finish line, and he posted a 5K time of 18:48.61 for 130th place.
Next up was Gilmer freshman Dawson Richard (153rd, 19:04.30), and he was followed by teammates Michael Little (231st, 20:33.76), Leeland Dantin (241st, 20:47.62), Seth Turner (249th, 21:04.39), Sebastain Raymundo (263rd, 21:4.84) and Edward Marietta (275th, 22:18.82).
Freshman Estephany Becerra led the pack of Lady Cats. She turned in a time of 25:30.80 for 189th. Following closely behind in 192nd was Salma Gonzalez (25:44.40).
Remaining Lady Cat runners included Maria Alonzo (208th, 26:44.80), Amalia Raymundo (224th, 28:05.80), Maria Raymundo (226th, 28:58.), Florinda Lopez (230th, 29:22.30) and Angelica Lopez (25th, 29:48.70).
Pace Academy was the No. 1 girls team with 117 points. Harrison edged West Forsyth for second, 123-131. Harrison won the boys event over second-place West Forsyth, 62-139. Creekview (162) placed third.
GHS runners will attend a 5K at Blairsville’s Meek’s Park Thursday.