But he still completed Thursday’s race as the Chieftains’ top finisher in 13th place with a time of 18 minutes flat.

Beyond the course’s first 100-yard marker, a handful of runners were tangled. As some fell down, Kolman lost a shoe. As the mob of runners regrouped and headed on their way, Kolman ran back, slipped on his shoe and got back in the race.

The early obstacle, though, didn’t seem to bother Kolman.

“I felt like I kind of got back up there after that,” Kolman said.

This year’s Tonganoxie Invitational featured a different route for the boys race.

Instead of repeating a certain portion of the course, the trail stretched out across more hills. With it being their home course, the Chieftains have been used to it.

But for the 20 teams visiting the course, the boys race was more of a challenge.

“I felt a lot more tired than I usually do,” said McLouth’s Matt Scarlett, who completed the meet in 10th place with a time of 17 minutes, 46 seconds.

The Bulldogs finished seventh in the meet with 166 points, while Tonganoxie took fourth with 103. Anderson County won the meet with 66 points.

For the Chieftains, Corey Brest took 14th (18:07), while Matt Chenoweth placed 16th (18:12). Other Chieftains competing were John Davis, who took 31st (18:52) and Colt Coffin, who was right behind Davis in 32nd (18:59). Brett Garrett also competed, taking 48th with a 19:46 time.

McLouth’s Scott Smelser, who also was tripped in the race’s first yards, recovered for a 28th-place finish. His time was 18:36. Sam Anderson placed 29th (18:40), while Nick Edgell was 53rd (19:37). Justin Drinnon took 68th (20:53) and Ryan Saxton placed 69th with a 21:18 time.

Anderson County’s David Cox, who set a meet record last season with a 15:54 time, was first again Thursday with a 16:11 time. Brother Danny Cox finished eighth with a 17:39 time. Mill Valley’s Jay Matlack took second (16:25) and De Soto’s Casey Johnson placed third (16:38).

Tonganoxie’s varsity travels Thursday to Gardner-Edgerton, while the junior varsity will run in Lansing. McLouth will run in Horton the same day.

Girls cross country

McLouth and Tonganoxie finished sixth and seventh respectively in the girls race. McLouth had 122 points, while Tonganoxie finished with 168. Lansing won the meet with 56 points.

Erin Watson led the Bulldogs with a No. 6 finish (12:52), while Christy Gunther placed 17th with a 13:26 time. Hallie Watson placed 21st as she completed the course in 13:26. Katie Booth finished 45th (14:44) and Neva Gardner placed 53rd (15:11). Crystal Snyder placed 73rd with a 17:12 time.

For Tonganoxie, Jennifer Wagner was the top runner with a 28th-place finish. Wagner’s time was 14:02.

Kelley Stauch placed 31st (14:07) and Elizabeth Smith took 32nd just behind Stauch with a 14:07 time. Kezia Huseman finished in 42nd (14:46), Amanda Chenoweth was 68th (16:35) and Racel Smith placed 72nd (16:47).

Tonganoxie will run Thursday at Gardner-Edgerton. McLouth will be in Horton on Thursday.