The Big Lake boys varsity cross-country team took third of 11 teams plus individual runners from five other schools at the Monticello Invitational at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Saturday.

The Hornets were led by senior Gavin Flavin, who placed third in 16:34.7, just 12 seconds back from the individual champion Dawson Eckerman of Osceola. Flavin was almost a minute faster than a year ago, when he ran the same course in 17:28.9.

Trent Erickson also finished in the top 10 spots, crossing the line in eighth in 17:09.4.

Theo Johnson placed 18th in 17:44.9. Jack Schmidt was 26th in 18:28.7 and Eli Henning rounded out the first five scorers in 32nd place in 18:41.5.

Max Baron (18:59.4) and Eli Schaller (19:35.8) were Big Lake’s sixth and seventh finishers.

The boys recorded six season best times on the day.

“The boys have been incredibly consistent, and we like where they are at right now,” said Coach Todd Trutna. “They’re  in great shape to keep dropping time as the season moves on.”

Final team scores were: St. Michael-Albertville 47; Osceola 60; Big Lake 87; Sartell 112;, Cambridge-Isanti 134; Trinity at River Ridge 165; Annandale 179; Rogers 202; Hutchinson 231; Saur Rapids-Rice 322.

Girls Squad

For the young girls’ squad, ninth-grader Shay France had another impressive race, placing eighth in 20:24.0. She was over a minute faster than her time in the Princeton Invitational last week where she ran 21:30.3.

Hazel Guldseth took 44th in 23:31.5. Elsie Jagusch was 45th in 23:34.5. Clara Devine finished 55th in 24:09 and  Aubri Judge took 64th in 26:09 to round out the five scorers. Chole Howe (26:52.7) and Ainsley McGuire (27.38.0) were Big Lake’s sixth and seventh runners.

All seven runners are eighth or ninth graders. Each had season-best times.

“No one on this squad was on varsity last year,” said Coach Trutna. “They are getting more competitive and more confident every time they toe the line.”

The Hornets competed in the Annandale Invitational against 10 other teams Tuesday, results next week.