Triton Athletics

NEW CARLISLE - The annual New Prairie Cross Country Invitational, one of the Midwest's premier regular-season cross country events, once again attracted more than 100 schools and over 2,500 runners from Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Known for its challenging layout, the New Prairie course tested competitors even more this year as severe weather created difficult racing conditions throughout the day. Lightning and heavy rain in the area forced race officials to delay the start of the meet by nearly two hours. By the time competition began, only a light drizzle remained, but the earlier storms had left the course wet, muddy, and slippery. Athletes were forced to navigate difficult footing and challenging conditions from start to finish. The Triton Trojans varsity girls team rose to the challenge, turning in an impressive performance to place 5th out of 19 teams in a highly competitive field of 164 runners. Leading the Trojans was Evelyn Gephart, who finished 12th overall with a time of 21:48.0. Kensie Schuh followed with a strong effort, placing 21st in 22:37.5. Izzy Rettinger crossed the line in 44th place with a time of 23:38.9, while Kailyn Schuh earned 47th place and recorded a new season-best time of 23:48.6. Rounding out the scoring lineup was Joelie Stetzel, who finished 76th in 25:11.0, establishing a new personal record. In the varsity boys race, which featured 224 runners, Triton's lone representative, Corgan Young, battled through the muddy conditions to finish 156th overall with a time of 22:56.7. Despite the weather-related delays and difficult course conditions, the Trojans demonstrated toughness and perseverance against some of the strongest competition in the region. The varsity girls' fifth-place finish and multiple season and personal-best performances highlighted a successful day for Triton at one of the largest and most demanding invitationals of the season. As the postseason approaches, the Trojans will look to build on the momentum gained from competing against elite competition and overcoming the challenging conditions at New Prairie. Team Highlights Varsity Girls: 5th place out of 19 teams Evelyn Gephart: 12th, 21:48.0 Kensie Schuh: 21st, 22:37.5 Izzy Rettinger: 44th, 23:38.9 Kailyn Schuh: 47th, 23:48.6 (Season Best) Joelie Stetzel: 76th, 25:11.0 (Personal Record) Corgan Young: 156th, 22:56.7 in the varsity boys race (224 runners) -- Lisa Bemish Triton XC/Track Supervisor