Eight Celina Harriers compete in Michigan.

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Portage Invitational.

Saturday, October 8, eight Celina CC athletes traveled to Kalamazoo, Michigan for participation in the annual Portage CC Invitational.  Over 140 schools and 7,000 runners took part in the 16-race, 4-division event.  Celina's contingent consisted of 4 boys and 4 girls, who ran in their respective D-II races.  The unseasonably warm (low 80's), sun drenched, dusty, hilly course inhibited performances a bit, but the Dogs still managed excellent efforts.  Jenna Coon and Katlin Robinson posted career best times despite the conditions.

The girls race went off at 1:00 PM as 42 teams (270 runners) took the 5000-meter course.  Hannah Fleck clocked her 2nd fastest ever time, 18:59, to cross the line in 5th.  Jenna was next for CHS in 39th, with her career best 20:03.  Andrea Bell took 51st in 20:22, followed by Katlin's personal best 20:55 which placed her 78th.

The boys hit the trail at 2:00, in the heat of the day.  Cole Mertz covered the distance in 17:00, good for 34th of the 275 competitors (40 teams).  Derek Pease crossed the finish pad at 17:41 which put him 83rd.  Zach Mitchell was 158th with a mark of 18:44, while Jacob Gilstrap was 203rd at 19:19.

Neither group was included in the 'team' scoring as ChS ran only 4 members.

NEXT UP FOR THE RUNNIN" BULLDOGS...at the Western Buckeye League Championship Meet, hosted by Kenton on Saturday, October 15.  The Girls go for a championship at 10:00, the Guys at 10:45.