The Newton Eagles girls cross country team turned in a dominant performance Thursday, capturing first place at the 2.85-mile varsity meet with 15 points.
The meet also served as Senior Night for Newton runners Kate Bierman and Holden Barthelemy, who were recognized before the race.
Newton dominated the girls’ individual standings, placing five runners in the top five.
Heather Bergbower led the Eagles across the finish line, winning the race in 18:22. Avery Geier finished second in 18:35, followed by Chloe Holsapple in third at 20:05.
Nora Street crossed in fourth with a time of 20:34, while Kimberly Bierman completed Newton’s scoring five with a fifth-place finish in 21:26.
Newton also had Josie Vogt finish seventh in 21:55, while senior Kate Bierman placed eighth in 22:08.
The Eagles finished with 15 points to easily claim the team championship over Effingham, which finished with 48 points.
On the boys’ side, senior Holden Barthelemy led Newton with a seventh-place finish in 16:38. Levi Sayers finished 14th in 17:37, followed by Jeremiah Hills in 20th at 17:54 and Alec Bower in 24th at 18:43.
Newton did not receive a team score in the boys’ race. Olney (Richland County) won the boys’ team competition with 16 points, while Cowden (C.-Herrick) and Effingham tied for second with 59 points.
The evening provided a special opportunity for Newton to recognize Bierman and Barthelemy before they competed in their Senior Night race, followed by an impressive team victory from the Eagles’ girls squad.
