Iola-Scandinavia Middle School athletes gave a strong performance at the Junior Smiley cross-country meet hosted by Horace Mann Middle School on Sept. 19. Both boys’ and girls’ teams showcased their endurance and determination in a competitive field.

The boys’ team had two notable performances. John Mork finished 52nd overall and placed 12th in his division with a time of 13:47. Parker Poehlman followed with a strong effort, coming in 77th overall and 21st in the division, clocking a time of 14:25.

On the girls’ side, Nola Mae Vater led the Iola-Scandinavia team by placing 44th overall and 23rd in the division, completing the race in 15:02. Lola Jones finished 97th overall and 38th in her division with a time of 16:18, while Elliana Bestul crossed the line at 16:34, finishing 121st overall and 47th in her division.