By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
PORTAGE—In a field that featured 35 teams, the Saugatuck boys cross country team placed 11th in the Division 3 race at the Portage Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 8.
The Trailblazers finished with 356 points, while Hart (71 points), Hanover-Horton (117 points) and Traverse City St. Francis (136 points) occupied slots one through three, respectively.
Senior Luke Gorgas, who has battled illness throughout the season, broke the 18-minute mark for the second time in his career to lead Saugatuck. His time of 17:35 was good for 36th place and a new personal record.
Gorgas also earned a medal by virtue of placing in the top 50.
Junior Russell VandePoel was next for the Trailblazers, as he placed 55th at 17:45. Saugatuck’s final three scoring runners were: senior Charlie Stormer (67th at 18:02); sophomore Justin Oetman (109th at 18:47); and freshman Brennan Nor (116th at 18:56).
Junior Loch Rigozzi (122nd at 18:58), junior Ben Schoonmaker (286th at 22:00) and Luke Schoonmaker (296th at 22:11) also competed for Saugatuck.
The Trailblazers were without the services of freshman Sammy Gamboa as he nursed an injury. Gamboa has been among Saugatuck’s scoring runners for most races.