Thunderhawks place two in top-7 in Virginia

VIRGINIA — The Grand Rapids boys and girls cross country teams hit the ground running with their first meet of the season. The Thunderhawks participated in the Rock Ridge Invitational at Virginia Public Golf Course on Wednesday, and impressed with two top-7 finishes in the boys’ run.

The boys placed second overall behind Hibbing with 68 points, led by junior Brenden Sylvester in the 5,000 Meters.

Sylvester, a state tournament-runner, ran the event in 17:01.5. Fellow state-runner and teammate Zane Poenix was a top-10 finisher in the event as well, competing against 102 racers and taking seventh with a time of 17:32.00.

“There was a very good effort from the team today. We have a good base and we will continue to improve through the season,” said Thunderhawks’ captain Larson Curnow, who placed 14/102 with a time of 18:16:00.

Sophomores Ellie Kragthorpe (23:35.00) and Elaine Jackson (23:39.30) led for the Grand Rapids girls in the 5,000 Meters, finishing side-by-side in 40th and 41st, respectively.

The Thunderhawks will travel to Coleraine next Thursday to race in the Titan Invitational, hosted by GNK at Eagle Ridge Golf Course.