Anchored by three seniors who have run together for several years, the Dolores High School boys cross-country team turned plenty of heads at its opening season meet in Monticello on Aug. 31.
Leading the way for the Bears at the Loyd’s Lake Classic was senior Phillip Hufman, whose time of 17:07.70 was good enough for third place, behind Grand County’s Malachi Ricks (16:54.50) and Monticello’s Adam Bunker (16:52.10).
Joining Hufman in the Top 10 was senior Brennan Hite, who maintained an impressive pace throughout the 5K race and finished eighth (17:48.60). Rounding out the Bears’ varsity finishers was senior Josh Petrow, whose time of 20:51.30 was good enough for 39th place.
Because the Bears had only four runners, the team did not qualify for the team standings. Monticello placed first in the meet, and San Juan High School placed second. Runners from Many Farms High School, Mancos High School, Pagosa Springs High School and Grand County High School also competed in the meet.
Next up for Dolores is the Window Rock Invitational, in Fort Defiance, Arizona, on Sept. 7.