File Photo by Frank Rodenbaugh

UNIVERSITY PARK – The MIfflin County boys cross country team made a huge statement Friday as they placed a solid second place out of 21 teams in this year’s PSU Spiked Shoe Invitational.

The group was led by strong finishes by Carter Smith and Reese Cubbison as both finished in the top 10.

Smith took the top spot with a time of 15:25.0. Cubbison finished his day with a ninth place finish of 15:57.3.

“We had a very solid performance in a new environment today. I think the heat caught a few of them off guard, but I’m pleased with their efforts as I did not back them off in training at all. I almost always expect a slump after BVI just because the fatigue and stress builds,” said Mifflin County coach Alex Monroe. “However, B+ days are the name of the game right now. Carter has never looked better, and I’m really excited to cut him loose at the states course next week. Reese continues to shine and that’s his second time under 16 on a harder course. Our 3-7 are starting to piece it together too. We face two big tests next week with State College on Tuesday, and Foundation Invitational on Saturday.”

Teammate Wyatt Kauffman took the 20th place spot posting a time of 16:31.7.

Close to Kauffman in 21st place was Hoyt Rodenbaugh who topped out at 16:33.5.

Coming in 28th place was fellow Husky Maximus Zajac-Bargas with a time of 16:49.0.

Other MIfflin County runners finishers were Aidan Scavitti (17:08.5), Kot Aurand (17:18.7), Hart Oden (17:25.2), Connor Lynch (18:04.3), Zaiden Deshem (18:06.9), Logan Breneman (18:42.3), Camryn Treaster (19:08.1), David Snyder (19:15.0), Trevan Diven (19:28.1) and Anthony Palopoli (20:03.6).