Fatima’s three junior high runners set personal records at Thursday’s Belle Invitational.

“They wanted to run about 17:00, so I told them they needed to come out at around 8:20 for their first mile to give themselves a chance; they came through at 8:18,” sad Coach Levi Maxwell. “They ended up pack running the race, and that motivated each of them to keep pushing forward and not get left behind.”

Faith Peters finished 38th (17:16) among 79 runners, followed by Aliza Stratman (39, 17:19) and Olivia Holland (40, 17:20). “I was very proud of these girls,” said Maxwell. “They ran a really good race and pushed each other the entire way. They continue to get better with every meet. I hope they continue to improve so they can finish things strong.”

Wyatt Kolb was Fatima’s lone representative, earning 61st place with a time of 14:44. “I asked him before the race what he wanted to run, and he said about 14:30,” said Maxwell. “I thought Wyatt competed very well and had a good race,” the coach added. “He has improved every week since the start of the season, and I am really proud of his progress.”