Endurance and speed were put on display by the Warrenton cross country team as its season shot off to a strong start at the Fleet Feet Cross Country Classic last Wednesday.In the 2-mile race, which was held at Quail Ridge Park, the boys team finished in eighth place out of 13 schools while the girls team finished 10th out of 15 teams.For the boys, Nathan Nordwald led the way in his first-ever high school meet. The freshman finished 34th with a time of 11:21.Following in closely behind Nordwald were sophomore Dylan Chandler (36th,11:22), sophomore Randy McRoberts (37th,11:24), senior James Goetz (49th,11:37) and sophomore Matthew Hackmann (56th,11:45).Hackmann improved his time in the same meet from the year before by 1:31.Rounding off the race for the Warriors were junior Ben Hoelscher in 75th and freshman Michael Hackmann in 82nd. They ran a 12:37 and 13:06, respectively.On the girls side, five varsity runners competed.Senior Mary Broker landed a 24th-place finish with a time of 13:43.Finishing behind the fleet-footed upperclassman were junior Andrea Poole (33rd,14:00), junior Darya Wilke (50th,14:53), senior Madison Stevens (62nd,15:57) and sophomore Susan Broker (68th,16:11).Overall, the season opener was a success for the Warriors on both sides.“Everyone who ran this race last year improved on their time,” Head Coach Jeremy Collins said. “It was a very good day. We still need to get stronger throughout the year and continue to be mentally tough.”Warrenton will run next on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Fort Zumwalt North. The meet will begin at 9 a.m.

Mary Broker finished in the top-25 as she and Warrenton opened its cross country season at the Fleet Feet Cross Country Classic on Aug. 26. Broker ran the race in 13:43

Derrick Forsythe photo.