On Saturday, all five Chamois XC runners medaled at the Calvary Lutheran meet, but they had more in mind than running.

The Pirates wore a purple ribbon for Alzheimer’s research and ran for Coach John Leach’s wife, Jolene. “It was a very touching and emotional day for me,” he said. “I am proud of all of them for doing this for my wife. They did something very nice, and the race was not the main focus. Thanks to the runners and parents for their support.”

On the course, Grayson Gerloff led the boys’ team with an eighth-place run of 21:46, as Evert Mehmert earned ninth in 21:47, and Kaden Wuelling was 12th in 22:23.

Emma Mehmert finished in 27:51, and Carly Schollmeyer was 11th in 28:35.

“The girls’ race only had 16 runners, so we knew everyone would receive a medal, so the girls just had to run the best they could,” said Leach. “The boys had to run faster because 30 runners were competing for 20 medals. It was a good day for the five runners.”