Kamiakin runners finish 17th at Nike Cross

The Kamiakin boys cross country team placed 17th Saturday at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland.

Jonah Franco was the top finisher for the Braves, who ran under W. Kennewick at the race. Franco turned in a time of 15 minutes, 46.7 seconds, good for 31st place.

“I am so proud of 17th in the nation and second in the Northwest Region, and everything else the boys have accomplished along the way,” coach Matt Rexus said. “Including their undefeated 3A state championship.”

Ryan Child finished 80th (16:15.6), while Stanford Smith was 130th (16:39.9), Porter Grigg 131st (16:39.9), Andrew Holladay 170th (17:08.7), Peyton Hill 173rd (17:11.5) and Preston Glade 186th (17:22.8).

Grigg and Smith fell early in the race on the wet grass. Grigg dropped to last place for a bit, but was able to climb more than 60 spots before the end of the race.

Aiden Troutner of Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, won the race in a time of 15:03.9.

A team from Purcellville, Va., won the team title with 89 points.

This story was originally published December 2, 2017 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Kamiakin runners finish 17th at Nike Cross."