Cross Country

WELLSBURG - Make it three in a row.

The East Liverpool boys cross country team picked up its third straight Brooke Invitational title Saturday and are now poised for success the rest of the season.

"This seems to get us kick started for the rest of the year," East Liverpool coach Scott Thornberry said. "It's good for our confidence."

The Potters' boys squad took first with 21 points, followed by New Philadelphia (74) and John Marshall (92).

The second East Liverpool boys team finished fourth with 112 points.

"Everyone had to fight through the rain," Thornberry said. "We were pretty impressive (Saturday)."

The Potters' Brandon Lucas finished first overall with a time of 17:34.

Jake Boyer wasn't far behind, finishing third in 17:46, followed by Matt McGuire (17:50), T.J. Densmore (18:02), Sean Densmore (18:05), Aaron Yourex (18:20), Josh Coil (18:54) and Wyatt Duffield (19:13).

The East Liverpool 'B' team was led by Vince Ours (19:24), Dan Thornberry (19:36), Joe Coil (19:57), Tyler Fickle (21:20) and Griff Claypool (21:25).

On the girls side, New Philadelphia came away with the title with 29 points, followed by John Marshall (96) and Brooke (109).

East Liverpool finished eighth with 159 points.

Lisa Zimmerman paced the Potters, finishing third overall in 21:45.

"That was probably the best race she has ran in her life," Thornberry said. "She's been consistent and injury free and it's really starting to work for her."

Zimmerman was followed by Lauren Zisk (24:50), Jordi Warrick (26:36), Sadie Helton (28:50) and Jessica Coil (34:08).

A key stretch of the season is about to get underway for East Liverpool. Tuesday, the Potters will compete in the Suburban League Championships at Canfield and the following Tuesday in the County Meet in East Palestine.