GENOA – The Mendota High School cross country team launched its 2024 season with races at Genoa-Kingston’s home course of Walcamp on Aug. 29.

Landon Stillwater (16:36) of Somonauk was able to battle out the win on the 3-mile course, edging out Mendota’s Anthony Kelson (16:40).

Carlos Toribio was next for the Trojans (11th, 19:39), then Ryder Woods (23rd, 21:56), Spencer Kain (25th, 22:10), Hector Gonzalez (37th, 25:02), Aidan Fisher (38th, 25:19), Gage Richey (49th, 28:30), and Travis Mumm (50th, 28:31).

The Trojans’ 77 points was good for second place, behind Harvest Christian Academy (25). Somonauk took third with 96 points, followed by Stillman Valley (4th, 101), Genoa-Kingston (5th, 102), and North Boone (6^th).

In the girls’ race, two freshmen set the pace for the field.  Harvest Christian’s Giselle Moret (1st, 20:40) bettered Elgin St. Edwards’ Hayden Poole (2nd, 20:58).

Mendota was represented by Emily Banks (31:59) and Payton Stavropolous (33:45).

Harvest Academy posted 26 points for the team win, followed by Genoa Kingston (34) and Stillman Valley (75).