The Mountain Invitational in Helen drew plenty of runners as the high school cross-country season reaches its homestretch.
Gilmer High School made the trip, and the Bobcats squared off against 31 schools while the Lady Cats met 27. The Lady Cats finished 15th, and the Bobcats ended their day in 18th.
Naomi Coombs was Gilmer’s top placer. She completed the girls 5K in 20:45 for 10th overall. Freshmen teammates Helana Garland (22:28) and Madison Stanley (24:19) were next for the Lady Cats with respective finishes of 37th and 93rd.
Crossing the finish line next for the Cats were Ashley Spagnola (110th place, 24:40), Laney Hensley (144th, 26:32), Mallory Henson (158th, 28:37) and Anna Byrd (159th, 28:41).
Three Bobcats cracked the top 100, and Dylan Byrd led the way with a time of 17:51 for 48th. Jacob Dobbs placed 71st in 18:30 and was followed by Austin Long (74th, 18:35), Melvin Oxlaj (127th, 19:40) and Nate Mooney (157th, 20:27).
The top three boys teams at the event were Loganville, North Hall and Chestatee. Oconee County, White County and North Oconee led the girls field.
GHS also had runners compete in the junior varsity race. Lady Cats finishers included Olivia Lykins (111th, 31:19.30), Chloe Hensley (135th, 34:07.40) and Shyanne Little (138th, 34:34.0).
The JV Bobcats finished 19th out of 29 teams. Gilmer’s Arturo Gonzalez (20:41) and Larz Fowler (21:21) finished 57th and 75th, respectively. Remaining runners included Jessee Hernandez (112th, 22:24), Ethan Cole (151st, 23:52), Drew Little (162nd, 24:32) and Marcos Alonzo (186th, 30:31).
GHS attended the Murray County Invitational at press deadline, and the Region 6-4A Championships will be Oct. 22 at Jasper’s Roper Park.