Ken Wall
Correspondent

BELDING - Greenville got the best of Belding in a nonconference boys and girls cross country meet Monday at Lightning Bend Park.

The Yellow Jackets and Redskins raced on a 5,000-meter course with a lot of sand and hills. There was also a matter of temperatures being in the mid-80s.

Greenville's boys beat Belding 19-41. Blake Bitner of Greenville took first place with a time of 17:34.

"This was not my best time. The hills were more than I had expected," he said. "I am happy with my results but today was just an off day."

Other top finishers for the Jackets were Kellie Strandberg in third place in 17:53 followed by fourth-place Mike Moy in 17:58, fifth-place Tyler Tiffany in 18:05 and sixth-place Zach Caverley in 18:08.

"It is tough to run in the heat. The heat affected the whole race," said Greenville Boys Coach Jim Popma. "This was not a race for kids to get personal records. It is just too hot for that."

Luke Baylis led Belding's boys with a second-place finish in 17:38. Other top finishers for the Redskins included seventh-place Ethan Jonker in 18:14, ninth-place Joe Conley in 19:30 and 12th-place Nathan Weeks in 20:01.

"Luke continues to turn in good times," said Belding Coach John Carlson. "He does not let things like weather alter his focus."

Greenville also won the girls race 19-42. Leading the way for the Jackets was Chelsea Prahl in the top spot with a 20:40 clocking.

Micah Hamman was second in 21:10 and Shelby Harris was third in 21:19 for Greenville.

The Redskins were led by Lesley Albert with a fourth-place finish in 22:48 followed by Tara VanWagoner in fifth in 23:08.

"Chelsea, Micah and Shelby all did well today," said Jacket Girls Coach Amanda Gerhardt. "I put a certain pace into their heads and they went above and beyond that."

Carlson also was happy with the way his girls performed.

"Lesley and Tara ran well today," said Carlson. "They both have a good shot at all-(O-K Silver) conference."

Greenville will travel to East Grand Rapids on Oct. 17 for an O-K White Conference meet.

Belding will visit Wyoming Park on Thursday in O-K Silver action.