The Gilmer High Bobcats and Lady Cats were back on the cross-country trail following a short break.
The third race of the season took GHS to Canton for Cherokee High’s Warpath Invitational. The field was made up of 25 teams and included many who are perennial powers at the state level. Both the Bobcats (544 points) and Lady Cats (566) finished 21st in their respective standings.
Seven Bobcats made the trip for the varsity race, and Carson Purvis was the first to complete the 5K course with a time of 17:41.20 for 68th. Teammate John Keener cracked the top 100 in 91st at 18:24.20.
Also running for Gilmer were Zachary Bobak (18:52.40, 109th), Melvin Oxlaj (19:35.50, 134th), Michael Little (20:10, 147th), Talyn Mesner (20:42, 153rd) and Andrew Mooney (22:04.40, 167th).
Leading the way for the Lady Cats was Madison Stanley, who placed 86th in 22:37.60. Helana Garland (122nd) was next for GHS with a time of 24:05, and she was followed by teammates Sophia Lykins (24:47.10, 128th), Kamryn Baxter (24:51, 129th), Haley Wilson (25:32.10, 136th) and Laney Hensley (29:07.80, 143rd).
St. Pius won the girls race (85 points) and Etowah edged Roswell for second, 114-116. Roswell (92) was first on the boys side and St. Pius (94) was second followed by third-place Denmark (100).
Competing in the junior varsity boys race were Bobcats Christopher Chun-Bell (21:32.20, 136th), Larz Fowler (21:48.20, 148th), Damian Pratt (22:57.20, 177th), Will Capstick (23:10.80, 181st), Matthew Grice (23:11.40, 183rd) and Drew Little (25:02.70, 215th).