By Kenny Varner

REEDSVILLE – One of the official signs of the kickoff into the fall sports season is the running of the Big Valley Invitational.

Entering its 51st year, one of the biggest cross country run of the year again did not disappoint.

Running against over 10 different teams, the Red Raiders stepped up their game and it showed in the final results.

Again, the Bellefonte cross country team was well represented as it produced a solid performance from varsity to junior high.

“I was really pleased with the performances of both my MS & HS boys and girls today. They were solid from start to finish and as a team finished well to start the season,” said Bellefonte coach Kim Gasper. “My experienced boys (Jonathan Gasper & Maverick Muchmore) and girls (Natalie Jolley & Addison Fry) picked up where they left off last season.

“ My freshman boys and freshman girls (& 1 new junior) showed what putting in a solid summer of work can yield. We told them to celebrate the day and we will be ready to go back to work Monday.”

The Bellefonte girls varsity team finished in 15th place overall after their run.

Finishing in 13th place was Natalie Jolley with a time.

Finishing in 20th place was Addison Fry, who completed her day with a 20:25.

Coming in at 102 was Emily Moretz, posting a 25:37.

Coming in at 111th was Aalyn Cernuska. She finished a time of 26:07.

Next up for Bellefonte at 120th was Haddie Lutz, posting a 26:27.

Placing a time of 29:18, Megan Showers, finished with a 29:18.

Rounding out the Red Raiders finishers was Molly Showers who placed in 144th with a time of 29:33.

In Bellefonte boys  varsity action, the Red Raiders finished seventh overall.

Leading the way was Jonathan Gasper who finished just outside of the top 10, placing 11th with a final time of 16:16.

Coming in at 22nd was Maverick Muchmore. The junior finished with a time of 17:20.

Finishing with a 51st performance was Gunther Kull with a 18:34.

Following right behind Kull at 52nd place was Carson Fritchman, with a time of 18:40.

Coming in at 104th was Ethan Karmelita, who crossed the finish line at 20:40.

118  Kaiden Musser, was up next for Bellefonte with a time of 21:21.

Senior Phoenix Torres, crossed the line at 140 with a  23:59.

Things started out strong for the Bellefonte boys Junior high as they finished sixth.

Also finishing in  6th place was Bowen Williams, 11:49   

Alexander Giornesto finished in the top 20, placing 19th with a mark of 12:43.

At 27th, Bellefonte’s Grady Stringer, placed with a time of 13:24.

Teammate Jackson Wells, finished 39th posting a 14:03.

Austin Brumbaugh,  55th place finish rounded out the junior high team with a 15:21.

“Our middle school boys ran well lead by (Bowen Williams) that ran this invite last year and our middle school girls lead by (Alissa Kyte-Yech) also ran this invite last year and are showing growth. We are excited to see what they can do moving forward,” said Gasper.

The Bellefonte girls Junior high placed a solid fifth place overall.

Coming in 13th place was Alissa Kyte-Yech. Kyte-Yech hammered out a finishing time of 14:11.

Next up was a 26th place finish by Ava Burns, as she got it done with a mark of 15:30.

Notching a 31st finish Emma Crater, who finished with a time of 15:48.

At 37the Zoe Musser, placed with a mark of 16:20.

Sydney Smith’s time of 16:38 was strong enough to place 39th.

   Rounding out the Red Raiders Junior high finishers was  Olivia Menna 17:12 who finished 43rd.