WAUSAU — The Bulldogs Cross Country teams turned in a solid performance at last Saturday’s Smiley Invitational hosted by Wausau East.

The varsity girls were champions of the 17-team Division III field (that hosted five ranked teams), and were second overall in the 32-team (D2/D3) section. 

The girls were led by Mackenzie Kauffman with a 4th place finish and Abbey Manning 13th, and closely followed by the pack of Molly Pegram (17), Rachel Davis (18), Faith Glasbrenner (21), Leah Wacker (28), and Sydney Haines (33).

“The girls really finished the last 800 meters strong,” said coach Skyler Reynolds.”

The varsity boys were champions of the 17-team Division III field (that hosted five ranked teams), and were third overall in the 32-team (D2/D3) section.

The boys were led by the trio of Dakota Kauffman (2), Seth Laxton (6), Jordan Molzof (8), and Kota Kull (15) and were closely followed by strong performances from Noah Toye (21), Jack Latham (30), and Tyler Waterman (42).

The junior varsity girls placed 3rd overall, with big races from Jayce Zimpel placing 9th and Leah Bloedow placing 15th.

The junior varsity boys placed 9th overall and ran well as a pack with Gideon Dalton and Tyson Mayne leading the way.

“We had a huge weekend in Wausau!” exclaimed coach Skyler Reynolds. “It was fun to see the kids run so well and full of confidence. Even though it's still just a small portion of what we hope to see late in the season, it feels good to put a good one out there.  The trip as a whole is just a great experience.”

The team travels next to the Janesville for the Midwest Cross Country Invitational run on the Blackhawk Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 26.