Topeka ? Lawrence High’s boys and girls cross country teams placed first, while Free State’s took second Saturday at the nine-team Topeka Seaman Invitational at Shawnee North Community Center.

The Lion boys, led by top 20 finishes of individual champ Dylan McClain, Andy Struble (third), John Zehr (ninth) and Harry Swartz (12th), outdistanced FSHS, 49 points to 84.

The Lion girls, led by the top 20 finishes of Meg Gentry (fourth), Megan Johnson (eighth), Lauren Davis (14th), Jenni Beasley (18th) and Raya Bowden (19th), outdistanced FSHS 63 points to 74.

The FSHS girls had top 20 finishes from individual winner Alysha Valencia, Mallory Richardson (15th), Maggie Brooke (16th) and Robyn Lee (20th).

The Free State boys had top 20 finishes from Hiral Bhakta (second), Adrian Ludwig (sixth) and Alex Rock (18th).

“This was a good day for us winning three of the four races,” Lawrence High coach Dick Reamon said.

The Lions also won the JV girls race. “Over half the kids had personal records. A lot of our kids really improved big time. Not everybody will be a varsity runner or great runner, but to improve every week and gain confidence is what it’s about.”

Of the LHS girls, Reamon said: “It is probably our most competitive race we’ve had in the last couple years. What we did was try to work on running mechanics and our speed this week.

“I think it paid tangible benefits. The kids in the varsity races had tangible assignments. The plans unfolded the way we wanted to.

“From a coaching standpoint that makes you feel awfully good. They accepted the responsibility and pulled it off.”

Free State’s Steve Heffernan was elated with the girls’ results.

“The ladies did a great job of competing, considering that Mallory and Maggie both fell at the half mile and still managed to crack into the top 20,” he said. “Our four and five runners have started to improve and when they all stay on their feet this team is very good. Alysha continues to learn and run very well. She ran a smart race and continued to pull away throughout the entire competition.”

Heffernan was equally happy with the FSHS boys: “The guys had a great day. We came into this meet after a very hard week of practice and managed to move closer to the best teams in state. Emporia was ranked No. 2, so to pull out a win over them should give our guys some confidence. Hiral Bhakta did a fantastic job considering he has dealt with an injury all week.”

l Results on page 11C