The O’Neill Eagles competed at the Norfolk Catholic Cross Country Invitational, turning in several strong team and individual performances across the varsity, junior varsity and junior high divisions.
The O’Neill varsity boys finished 3rd overall, led by senior Max Berg, who placed 9th and earned a medal. Paul Fonseca also medaled for the Eagles with an 11th-place finish. Kyler Wettlaufer placed 16th, followed by Alonso Hernandez in 23rd, Tyson Becker 34th, and Jordan Ramirez Perez in 35th. The Eagles continued to show strong depth throughout the race and were able to secure a top-three team finish.
The JV boys also placed 3rd as a team, led by David Garcia, who finished 8th and earned a medal. Brock Latzel placed 15th, followed by Angel Sanchez in 21st, Alex Otte in 25th and Jase Sanders in 30th. Alex Nelson finished 35th, Evan Cole 36th, Fernando Cayax 38th, Lane Dougherty 41st, Barrett Troester 45th, Liam Kennedy 48th, Gavin Kruse 49th, Kaleb Asche 52nd and Tucker Cook 55th.
The varsity girls placed 7th overall, with sophomore Kiarra Kennedy turning in an outstanding performance by winning the individual championship. Emma Bowder finished 37th, Lynn Miner placed 43rd and Emma French crossed the finish line in 58th. Kennedy's individual victory provided another highlight for the Eagles and continues a strong season for the sophomore runner.
The O’Neill junior high girls finished 3rd as a team, led by individual champion Josie Troester, who captured first place. Erandi Pantoja also medaled with a 10th-place finish. Madison Wettlaufer placed 18th, followed by Humaya Hernandez in 41st, Madia Sanchez in 47th, Aiyana Brown in 48th, Remi Kurtz in 57th, Mya McCormick in 60th and Ruby Jackson in 64th.
The junior high boys finished 4th overall. Nolan Jessen led the Eagles with a 6th-place finish and earned a medal. Leo Calvo placed 12th, followed by Era French in 32nd, Coltyn Romesser in 37th, Justin Luzania in 62nd, Octavio Garcia in 69th, Alvaro Garcia in 69th, Charlie Kaufman in 74th, Bennett Phillips in 77th, Hector Garcia in 88th, William Guzman in 89th, Lars Miner in 90th and Miguel Arciniega in 96th.
The Eagles will return home next week when O’Neill hosts its cross country invitational on September 18. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. The Eagles will look to use the home-course advantage and continue building momentum as the season progresses.