MADISON- James Clemens hosted the 2023 Metro Cross Country Championships and came away with a first-place trophy in girls’ competition and runner-up trophy in the boy’s event.

Kylie Gero, 11, was the top finisher to take the girls event among 57 participants. She completed the 5K course with a time of 18:47.34 to edge teammate Emma Bothern, 12, who posted a time of 19:43.34. Additional finishers who posted nice efforts included 6. Ami Marks, 9, Bob Jones, 20:01.47, 7. Makenzie Parker, 12, James Clemens, 20:02.15, 8. Molly Halter, 11, Bob Jones, 20:32.57, 11. Ella Carter, James Clemens, 20:56, 12. Jenna Duncan, 12, Sparkman, 21:01.27, 14. Brooke Bogardus, James Clemens, 21:06.00.

Team scores featured 1. James Clemens 34, 2. Huntsville 43, 3. Bob Jones 73.

In boys, the Jets of James Clemens just missed the championship trophy by a mere six points, but did secure the overall individual champion as junior Luke Alverson toured the course at Palmer Park in 15:13.81. His 28-second victory over the runner-up runner was both a school record and course record. Some of the remaining finishers included Cole Robinson, 12, James Clemens, 16:17.94, 5. Dylan Dryer, 12, James Clemens, 16:22.07, 11. Sam Hall, 12, Madison Academy, 16:41.19, 12. Andrew Gohlich, 11, James Clemens, 16:46.52.

Team scores were 1. Huntsville 32, 2. James Clemens 38, 7. Bob Jones 183, 9. Sparkman 231, 10. Madison Academy 269.

Middle School competition was also successful for the schools of Madison. Both Bob Jones and James Clemens took runner-up honors. The Patriots tied with Sparkman for second place behind Huntsville in girls while the Jets took second place behind Huntsville in boys and Bob Jones was fourth.

In Middle School girls, 3. Isabel Jones, 9, Sparkman, 13:48.26, 6. Adriana Gadomski, 8, James Clemens, 13:51.56, 8. Ella Harmon, 9, Sparkman, 14:27.11, 10. Bonnie Halter, 9, Bob Jones, 14:33.49. Team scores were 1. Huntsville 20, 2. Bob Jones, 67, Sparkman, 67, 4. James Clemens 81. In boys, 2. Luke Bogardus, 9, James Clemens, 11:02.14, 5. Roman Hanson, 9, Bob Jones, 11:45.54. The final tally in team scores were 1. Huntsville 21, 2. James Clemens 57, Bob Jones 86.