Rantala claims home meet, boys team gets stronger in numbers
Annika Rantala competes in last year's 3A state cross country championships. She placed 10th in the event.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
PRIEST RIVER — The Spartan cross country team hosted the Ivan Benson Invitational last Thursday and senior Annika Rantala walked away with first place in the girls race.
Rantala edged out Kellogg's Lacey Medina by two seconds to claim the title with a 21:05.
On the boys side, sophomore Dylan Lord led the way for Priest River taking fifth with a personal best 18:48. Sophomores Ethan Korff, Edgil Williams and Aiden Troumbley captured 12th, 26th and 27th respectively.
Immaculate Conception Academy ran away with the team title on the boys side while Coeur d'Alene Charter won the girls race.
On Saturday, the Spartans headed north to take part in the Bonners Ferry Invite.
Rantala finished runner-up in the girls race.
"Our senior Annika Rantala really showed her stuff by winning the home race and getting second at Bonners," head coach Lance Clark said.
Lord took 13th, Korff secured 20th and Troumbley captured 30th. Timberlake swept the team titles at the meet.
The Priest River boys now have six runners as districts draw closer.
The Spartans will head to Pinehurst Golf Course at 3:30 p.m. Thursday to take part in the Ben Castro Invitational.