The Bedford boys cross country team ran in the Dave Bork Classic Invitational today at Munson Park in Monroe. This race has been touted as being the unofficial Monroe County championship, as all county schools are invited to come to show their skill. A unique aspect of the race is that there are two races, one for freshmen and sophomores and one for juniors and seniors. No team scores are kept, but once results are sorted, the top ten finishers in each grade level get medals at the awards recognition. Although the weather was unkind, some gritty racing led to great performances.

In the freshman race, Bedford put 4 runners in the top ten, led by Cam Varner, who placed first overall in 18:15 for the freshman class and 4th overall in the race. The Mules took second and third in the freshman class, as well, with Logan Thomas (18:41) and Maddi Duke (18:45) running tough races. Charlie Rockwood also made the podium, placing 7th in a time of 20:36.

The sole sophomore from Bedford led the race from the start, but fell to a tough Flat Rock runner to place second overall in the race and second sophomore to finish, crossing the line in 17:10, nearly a full minute ahead of the third place finisher. Brandon McCloud was the next sophomore for Bedford, finishing 12th overall in 19:44. 

Bedford had several finishers in the top ten of the junior class. Nick Balla (18:07) was the first to cross the line for Bedford, finishing 8th overall and 7th among juniors. Jake Yeager (18:20), Braxon Lake (18:24), and Jordan Bunce (18:28) finished 8th, 9th, and 10th respectively. Aidan Ortiz just missed the podium, finishing 11th in a time of 18:31, and Jonas Enriquez was right behind him, finishing 12th in 18:47.

In the senior class, Jack Durivage led three Mule runners to the top ten, finishing 2nd overall among seniors, posting an 18:08. Braiden Welch and Gabe Bock raced neck and neck to the finish, with Welch just edging Bock in a time of 18:21.6 to Bock's 18:21.8, placing them 5th and 6th overall. 

The Mules travel to Hudson Mills Park on Thursday for the SEC Championship Meet.