Milton runners face competition at Brookville Invitational

Milton-Union cross country athletes competed at the Brookville Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6, and faced different competition than they had previously this season. 

Although they were matched up with more difficult competition, like Tippecanoe’s state qualifier Landon Kimmel, the boys team still had success. Junior Colin Hinkelman placed third overall with a time of 16:34.2. And not far behind him was younger brother, freshman Grant Hinkelman who placed 14th in a time of 17:08.9. Next for the ‘dogs was Andrew Oaks, who finished 31st in a time of 17:43.2. Chase Parsons finished next in a time of 18:21.7 and following him was Finn Hinkelman who finished in a time of 18:55.1. 

Although the boys' numerical placements were spread out, their times are not far off one another. If the team can continue to finish closer together, they will be in a good position when considering the conference championship and continuing on into the post-season

Leading for the girls team was sophomore Aubree Bates who finished in 13th in a time of 20:50.7. Bates had nearly a three minute gap compared to her teammates, as Bulldog Madlayn Korte finished in a time of 23:40.1. However, Sydnie Bartlett finished directly behind Korte in a time of 23:41.5 and Amelia Iddings followed right behind her, with a time of 23.41.6. Although these three did not finish as close to Bates as they aimed for, finishing together like that is key to scoring points when conference and postseason races come around. 

Both of these teams are approaching mid-October faster than it seems, and so far, their success is promising for their goal of a 3-peat within the Three Rivers Conference. Their next race was raced on Sept. 13 at Troy Memorial Stadium. Following that will be the Miami County Championship, which is held on their home course in West Milton. Good luck!