MOUNT VERNON — The temperature was ideal, but the condition of the course was not for the 5th Annual Mount Vernon Kiwanis Cross Country Invitational on Saturday. Held at Foundation Park, more than 500 runners battled the mud and soggy field left from the rain the night before.

Isaac Potes of Fredericktown won the boys 5K run in a time of 16:54.32, leading the Freddies to a third-place finish out of 10 schools.

“We had a great day,” said Fredericktown coach Denny Stevens, noting that the condition of the course was not the best, but that everyone had to run it. “We did not wear spikes; we were in flats because of the heavy stone on the course. But it’s a beautiful, scenic course.

“Isaac had a good day; he was on a roll,” Stevens continued. “He did a nice job; 16:54 is a darn good time for the conditions.”

Rounding out the top five for Fredericktown were Delaney McGuire, 18:21.41; Sean Kennedy, 18:50.59; Garrett Gatton, 19:32.76; and Nate Chilcote, 19:39.55.

The Fredericktown girls did not fare as well as the boys squad, finishing 10th of the 11 schools. Halla Jones led the girls squad with a time of 23:46.33, for a 43rd-place finish. Emily Newman ran a 24:19.96, Maggie Brown a 24:38.49, Hope Huvler a 26:19.21 and Tayler Carpenter 1 27:29.08.

The Mount Vernon girls’ squad also picked up a third-place overall finish. Sarah Baker led the Jackets, placing fourth overall with a time of 20:42.40. Seventh place overall went to the Jackets’ Celia Leonard, who ran a 21:28.57.

Sarah Fowler finished in 22:29.09 and Zoe Leonard finished with a time of 22:56.03. Lindsey Studebaker rounded out the top five Lady Jackets, running a 23:27.15.

“We did very well,” said girls coach Pat Gray. “We took third place as a team. Sarah Baker finished fourth and Celia Leonard seventh, so we got two in the top 10, which is really good.”

Saturday’s meet was the first of the season for Mount Vernon.

“We had a torrential downpour over the past 24 hours, so the course was very muddy,” he said when asked about the girls’ times. “And the course has changed, so it is hard to compare times. It was all about effort today, not time. We’re just focused and really working hard.”

The Mount Vernon boys squad finished sixth of the 10 schools in the boys division, with John Fleming leading the way with a fifth overall finish and a time of 17:50.10.

“There are 500 to 600 or so runners here today; we finished in the second grouping,” said Mount Vernon boys coach John Fair. “I have a nice senior team this year. We ran about like I thought.

“I was pleased with my kids,” he added, “even though we had some injuries. Five kids didn’t run today.”

Nate Schultz was not too far behind Fleming, running an 18:22.67 and nailing down 16th place. Jarred Vance (18:36.75), Calvin Lortie (19:54.12) and Conor Tazewell (20:03.92) rounded out the top five for the Jackets.

Although both East Knox squads finished last in the team standings, the Bulldogs had several bright spots. Paul Blanchard led the boy’s team, finishing 11th overall with a time of 18:11.7. Joey Montoya was not far behind, reeling in the 14th overall slot with an 18:17.61.

“Paul Blanchard ran a really good race, considering the conditions,” said coach Ron Fannin. “Joey Montoya just set a school record Wednesday; I think he was feeling the effects. Paul and Joey continue to work together and push each other.

“We’re trying to find our third, fourth and fifth guys,” he continued. “We’re trying to improve as a team.”

Nick Blanchard finished third for the Bulldog squad, running a 22:32.98. He was followed by Charlie Lazzaro (24:23.30) and Drew Fischer (24:24.75).

“Nick Blanchard is a freshman,” said Fannin. “He’s working hard. As a freshman, he is able to follow the example of some of the older athletes, and he continues to get better.

“We faced some great competition today, and I think it will help us in the long run.”

Ashley Fowler led the Bulldog girls squad with a time of 25:56.34, followed by Reanna Davis (26.59.09), Krystine Schilling (28:07.59), Regan Bullock (28:08.33), Bethany Johnson (28:13.39). The Bulldogs’ sixth and seventh runners were close behind, with Kali Krownapple running a 28:29.0 and Alexis Bell running a 28:33.17.

“On our girls team, our times continue to improve,” said Fannin. “Each race, it seems like the girls finish in a different order. They are working hard and working together.

“Their hard work will pay off come October,” he added. “They just continue to get better. Our girls are young and improving.”

The Highland boys squad was led by David Dennis, who finished in a tme of 19:43.06. Dennis was followed by John Klugh in 19:45.87, Evan Webb in 20:30.73, Robbie Parks in 21:2248 and Daniel Super in 21:45.76.

On the girls side, the Scots were led by Kelsey Burt, who ran a 22:34.64 to finish in 23rd place overall. Rounding out the top five were Francine McCombs (22:53.74), Amber Benedict (25:45.61), Sarah Klugh (26:02.08) and Alisha Presley (26:41.82).

Other schools participating in the invitational were Delaware Hayes, Dublin Scioto, Gahanna Lincoln, Mansfield Senior, Olentangy, Upper Arlington, Westerville Central and Worthington Kilbourne.

Delaware Hayes, East Knox, Fredericktown, Highland, Mount Vernon and Westerville Blendon also sent their middle school squads to compete. The Freddie squad placed first in the girls middle school race.

The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and Knox County sponsors the invitational, with the proceeds benefiting the Mount Vernon cross country program.

“This is a good shot in the arm for the middle school and high school programs,” said Fair.

“It’s real nice to have it here at home,” agreed Gray. “The parents and the Mount Vernon community have been so supportive, and Foundation Park continues making improvements. I’m glad teams are still deciding to come here; it’s good competition.”

The invitational, which drew 190 runners its first year, is run as an open event, meaning races are not separated into varsity and junior varsity.