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The Pioneers, however, came together as a unit this season and wrapped up the their first league title since 2003 at last Tuesday's third BWAC Jamboree of the season. Cros-Lex, which came into the meet in a virtual tie for first with Yale, finished with a low total of 57 points, safely ahead of Yale with 80.

"It's always nice to be running your best at the end of the season," said Rick Shaw, Cros-Lex boys coach.

A mix of a few veterans and some new faces blended in well for Shaw.

"I thought we'd be improved over last season," added Shaw. "Even though we had some strong runners in the past, I think this was a better team. The kids finished strong for us."

Junior Joshua Matthews led C-L with his third place time of 17:20. Adam Martinelli, a sophomore, was seventh in 17:30 and Taylor Kasper, a junior, was 11th in 17:47. A big lift came from their four-five runners. Asa Choate was 17th (18:10) and Ethan Campbell was 19th (18:30). Yale's four-five were 27rth and 30th, respectively.

C-L 2nd at Thumb Area Meet

The Pioneers were the runners-up Saturday at the big Thumb Area Championships in Caro, finishing with 122 points. Fenton ran away from everybody with 33 points.

Martinelli (11th, 17:50.1) and Kasper (12th, 17:51.7) were the top two finishers. Matthews finished 20th (18:00.2) in the field of 206 runners.

Regionals

The next goal for the Pioneers will be at the Division 2 Regionals at Goodells County Park this Saturday. They will have a rough challenge placing among the top three teams and qualifying for the State Finals.

"It's always hard to get out of Regionals," said Shaw. "Fortunately, we are familiar with the course, but we still have to run well."