HILLSDALE – Whiteford’s boys cross country team finished runner-up Saturday morning in the Division 4 Pre-Regional race at Hillsdale Academy and will compete next week in the Regionals.

The Bobcats scored 55 points. Hillsdale Academy won the event with 42.

“Today was a do or die type of meet with the pre-regional race being new this year because of Covid-19,” said Whiteford coach Jay Yockey. “The guys got out hard and held on to position and rose to the occasions of competing on a tough course. They’ve impressed me all season with their grit and determination to reach the next level.”

Whiteford’s boys with their place an time:

• Luke Murphy 6th, 18:15
• Keegan Masters 11th, 18:49
• Elliott Rodgers 13th, 19:02
• Cole Crouch was 16th, 19:55
• Ryan Oberle was 27th, 21:01
• Nick Oberle was 32nd, 21:27
• Cooper Bieber 40th, 24:59

In the girls race, Whiteford’s Annie Gapp placed 13th (23:00) and will compete in next weeks’ Regional race. Sarah Oberle finished in 25:09 for 20th place and Sidney Miller placed 24th in 26:48.

“The girls ran hard and fought for every position,” Yockey said. “This was Sarah’s last race in her high school career and what a way to finish – with a PR.”

Whiteford will race next Friday at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson.