Grace Christian Academy’s varsity and middle school team competed in the first cross-country meet of the season Saturday at Elinor Knapp- Phillips Park in Tallahassee.

The varsity girls ran as individuals in the 5K competition, where Dani Parker completed her time in 30:27.47. Abigail Anderson completed the run in 34:13.20 and Lilah Widner finished in 39:06.92.

The varsity boys ran as individuals and as a team in the competition. Wyatt Carpenter finished with a time of 20:25.83, Daniel Jones with a time of 20:57.87, Seth Parker with a time of 24:04.43, Kevin Brooks with a time of 26:30.86, Ben York with a time of 27:19.95, Jackson McConnell with a time of 28:37.75, Jay Lanier with a time of 30:47.77, Isaac Friedman with a time of 34:25.21 and Garrett Donalson with a time of 43:52.25.

The boys placed 20th overall.

Coaches Elizabeth Simmons and Greg Carpenter were proud of the teams and said this is one of the hardest terrains the runners will endure this season.

“I thought for the first run it went pretty good,” Carpenter said. “The ones that ran did really well and it ought to be an exciting season again.”

Carpenter said some of their runners were out due to taking the SAT, but they have a full roster this year, allowing runners to compete individually as well as a team.

Following this race, Carpenter said they are going to really work on running relays and strengthening exercises, but he has a lot of faith in the team and can’t wait to see where they go.