The Wallowa Valley combined cross-country team made its presence known at the Bob Firman Invitational at Eagle, Idaho, on Sept. 21-22. The freshman boys, in particular turned in strong performances.

Henry Coughlan led them to a second-place finish with 121 points in a field of 25 other teams. Coughlan finished with an amazing third against 255 other competitors, turning in a time of 16:51.70. Bayden Menton placed 11th overall with a time of 17:30.60 while teammates Zac Knapp and Ian Goodrich finished with times of 17:52 and 19:19.50, respectively.

On the varsity side, junior Ellyse Tingelstad led the way to the girls team’s 14th slot in a field of 34. Tingelstad finished 18th overall with a 20:13.90 time over the 5,000 meters while Ashley Wilson posted a 21:32.40 time. Ella Coughlan and Karli Bedard kept up the momentum with times of 21:36.60 and 21.48.80 respectively.

The team next travels to Baker for the Baker Invitational on Friday, Sept. 28.