SEATTLE – The Bainbridge High cross country team had a great showing at their first Metro meet of the year Friday, Sept. 16 on the sunny hills of Woodland Park’s 5K course.

The men’s varsity team beat league rivals from Bishop Blanchet and O’Dea, though they trailed Bellermine Preparatory School, of Tacoma, a well-known 4A powerhouse.

The women’s team finished ahead of Lakeside, but behind Bellermine, Holy Names Academy and Blanchet High.

While sophomore Carlo Ruggiero (ninth place) was the only Spartan in the men’s top 10, his team secured impressive finishes not far behind, as senior Will Gleason (12th place) was just ahead of a tight pack of five — seniors Cole Brundige and Jacob Carlson, sophomores Carter Hall, Sean Lindsey and Elliott Windrope.

Sophomore Natalie Taylor (10th place) led the women, while strong veterans Naomi von Ruden, Jackie McVay and Audrey Weaver were joined up front by junior Anna Scott, a recent transfer from the soccer team, and freshman Emma Brundige.

Also impressive was the sheer size of the Bainbridge team: 86 students turned out for the race. Officials said the team also saw some big early season personal records set by James Shaw (-:58), Jacob Carlson (-:46), Lauren Wallach (-:41), Evan Kimmerlein (-:32) and Iris Dahl (-:27).

Most of the team, they said, will race next at another meet at Woodland Park, this one hosted by Ballard High, on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The top 15 men and 15 women will travel to Oregon on Friday, Sept. 23 for the highly competitive Nike Invitational.