BANAT — Hydration and patience were probably the key words for high school cross country runners in the Stephenson Invitational here Wednesday.

The Houghton boys retained their title with 26 points on this sunny and hot afternoon. Florence-Niagara, Wis. was runner-up at 74 and third-place Kingsford scored 105.

Houghton’s girls were also repeat winners with 31 points, followed by Kingsford 55 and Marinette 71.

The Houghton girls ran without senior Tessa Rautiola, who was out due to a possible stress fracture.

“We’re happy we won, but we’re a little thin right now,” Gremlins’ coach Traci Welch said. “The girls really stepped up and pulled together as a team. Norah Woodruff had a big race and Sela Niska had an injury, but has really stepped up as well. We’re super happy with the boys, too

See Full Page