UPPER LAKE — Upper Lake High School”s cross country team achieved a first on Wednesday as it hosted a Coastal Mountain Conference meet against Fort Bragg, Sonoma Academy and St. Vincent on its new 2.9-mile course.
The Cougar program, only in its second year, hit the road for all of its meets a year ago. While Upper Lake did host its own invitational in early September, Wednesday was the first time the Cougars served as the home team for a conference meet.
The meet was memorable in other respects as the Cougar varsity boys beat Fort Bragg in head-to-head competition, placing five runners in the top nine.
Varsity boys
Charlie Coburn of Upper Lake led the pack, winning in 16 minutes, 26 seconds. In a tight battle for second place, Upper Lake”s Michael Dolan (16:39) edged out Sonoma Academy”s Jonathan Izen (16:40) by a second. St. Vincent”s Zach Schlegel came in fourth.
Other Upper Lake finishers were Ben Mullin, sixth in 17:01; James Lolonis, seventh in 17:06; and Fwee Chao, ninth in 17:45.
Varsity girls
Sonoma Academy”s Grace Hafner dominated the girls” race, winning in 19:12. Upper Lake”s Ashley Burns came in second in 20:06, Sonoma Academy”s Bonnie Campbell was third in 20:55, and St. Vincent”s Kelly Knies finished fourth in 21:56.
Upper Lake”s Jennifer Delk placed eighth in 26:45.
Running personal bests for Upper Lake were Mary Tucker, Sydney Drozdowski, Emily Bushta, Emma Johnson and Megan Morgan.
Frosh-soph
Brandon Lovrin was Upper Lake”s top finisher in the frosh-soph boys” race. He completed the course in 20:48.
Upper Lake travels to Spring Lake next Wednesday for a meet against Rincon Valley Christian and Santa Rosa Christian.
