Both Hart and Pentwater started their 2025 cross country season on the right foot, posting strong performances at the Pete Moss Invite in Benzie Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Pirates were the big winners of the day, clawing out a comeback victory for the girls team. Hart’s girls used the last 100 yards of the race to squeeze past Traverse City St. Francis, winning the 27-team invite by just two points.
Leading the way for the girls was junior Natalie Rosema (20:28.31) who crossed the finish line in 11th place. Freshman Emma Miller also scored a top 20 finish, posting a 19th place time of 21:05.14. Alaina Schaner (21st), Bryn Riley (28th) and Luisa VanderZwaag (45th) rounded out the Pirates’ top five, while Joselyn Flores and Abigail Studer finished back-to-back at 87th and 88th place.
Hart’s boys team was successful as well, claiming the second place trophy behind host Benzie Central. Grant Ackley (14th) was the top finisher for the Pirates with a time of 17:21.71 while Mason Opalewski (17th) and Timothy Wolff (20th) rounded out a trio of top 20 finishers for the boys.
Carson Ackley (23rd) and Trevor VanderKodde (32nd) rounded out Hart’s top five on the boys side, while Aiden Schaner (33rd), Bryce VanderKodde (35th and Julian Lopez (48th) also earned medals.
Pentwater’s teams were paced by a 41st place medal finish on the girls side by junior Bailey Case (21:54.66). Lily Smith followed up in 109th place at 26:30.72 while senior Lauren Davis placed 114th at 26:54.39. Junior Maggie Jorissen finished her first varsity 5K in 137th place with a time of 36:19.03.
The Falcons struggled on the boys side with just two runners in action. Senior Bode Powell finished in 141st at 23:38.86 while sophomore Ben Roberson finished in 153rd at 24:55.19.
