IOWA CITY, Iowa - A group of Eastern Iowa schools kicked off their cross country seasons Thursday in the Iowa City West Early Bird Invitational here at the University of Iowa Ashton course.
The Iowa City West girls claimed victory with 42 points. It was followed by Bettendorf (64) and Iowa City Liberty (73).
On the boys side, Bettendorf finished first with 25 points. North Scott came in second with 47 and Iowa City Liberty ended third with 81.
Liberty freshman Ashlyn Keeney made the most of her first varsity race, claiming gold in 18:12.4.
"It can build up my confidence, help me not be as nervous, help me to know that I can improve my times and that I'm ready," she told Milesplit.
West's Deniz Ince finished second to Keeney in a time of 18:51.3. Third place was claimed by Liberty's Camille Mac (19:23.8).
Davenport Assumption's Chris Guise repeated as the boys champ here. He ran the course in 16:59.8.
"I definitely wanted to come back and start off my season good again," he told Milesplit. "I won here last year so I definitely had winning on my mind this year."
Bettendorf's James Baker followed Guise across the finish line in 17:07.1. North Scott's Jackson Schrock wound up in third (17:22.9).
You can watch the girls race HERE.
You can watch the boys race HERE.
View photos from both races HERE.
