Eagles Sweep Team Titles at Sam Parr Cross Country Meet
The Newton Eagles cross country program put on a commanding display at Sam Parr, where both the boys’ and girls’ teams captured first place in dominant fashion. With front-runners setting the pace and depth across the lineup, Newton proved they are a force to watch this season.
Girls Take Control Early
From the start of the girls’ race, it was clear Newton planned to control the front of the pack. Layna Marshall set a blistering pace and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 18:30 to win by nearly 45 seconds. Close behind was teammate Heather Bergbower, who claimed second with a strong 19:15 effort.
The Eagles weren’t done there. Avery Geier (4th, 19:37) and Nora Street (5th, 20:52) added to the front-running power, while Kimberly Bierman (6th, 21:11) completed Newton’s scoring five. With five runners in the top six, Newton easily secured first place with a team score of just 18 points, far ahead of Dieterich (57) and Teutopolis (69).
Coach Jill Kistner praised the group’s effort, saying the team “ran with confidence and worked together,” noting how their pack running kept the pressure on opposing schools.
Boys’ Depth Secures the Win
In the boys’ race, Newton got a huge spark from the front as Hayden Borgic powered through the 3-mile course in 16:09 to win the individual title. Fellow Eagle Tanner Whitaker made it a 1-2 sweep, clocking 16:29 for second place.
Johnnie Brant (5th, 17:23) kept the Eagles in striking distance of the team title, while Kendall Probst (15th, 19:03) and Jeremiah Hills (23rd, 19:45) rounded out the scoring five. Their efforts gave Newton an overall team score of 31 points, besting Dieterich (46), Teutopolis (58), and CCF (87).
The depth was key, as Newton’s sixth and seventh runners — crucial for tiebreaks — finished close behind, sealing the victory.
A Strong Start to the Season
With both the boys’ and girls’ squads earning team championships, the Eagles left Sam Parr with momentum and confidence. The blend of top-tier individual runners and consistent team depth suggests Newton is well-positioned for a successful season.
“These kids are showing what hard work in practice can do,” Coach Bower said. “It’s exciting to see them push each other and keep improving.”
