Fatima had a solid day at the Hancock Invitational on Saturday as the boys cross-country team finished second at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. 

“We were a little short-handed as a couple of our athletes were taking the ACT,” said Coach Marc Bridges. “The boys raced very well, with our top three finishers earning medals and the team finishing second to perennial powerhouse SLU.”

Fatima’s top five boys ran in a loose pack throughout the race, with the 2-5 boys posting a 50-second split.  “This tight pack is going to help us keep our team score low as we get into the postseason,” said Bridges.

Michael Gabelsberger finished ninth in 17:45 to lead the team, as Brady Horton (29, 18:42) and Zach Eisterhold (31, 18:51) medaled. Trenton Orscheln crossed next, earning 36th in 19:04, followed by Evan Klouzek (87, 20:48), and Tucker Schroeder (91, 21:09).

In the girls’ race, Fatima earned 11th place.

Brie Massman (41, 21:05) and Mellisa Verslues (24, 21:49) medaled, followed by Karly Bock (65, 24:38), Rose Backues (106, 28:48), and Journey Markway (108, 29:29).

“Journey had a great race, running her personal-best time on a tough course as our fifth runner,” said Bridges. “She is showing a lot of improvement.”

In the freshman boys’ race, Hank Kampeter earned 27th in 25:39, and Karson Fudge was 29th in a time of 25:57.