The Centerville boys cross country team had a breakthrough night on Monday as the top five runners ran under 20 minutes and placed second as a team behind Fairfield at the Albia Invitational.

Brent Ewing led the way taking first place with a career best 16:48.

Nick Kruzich placed ninth in a time of 18:42 and Tyler Walker, Robert Sheets and Caleb Baker had big performances finishing in under 20 minutes.

“Nick, Tyler, Caleb and Robert competed well and are showing signs of making us a strong team to contend with. Albia has been our target team to beat and we outscored them for the first time all year,” commented coach Matt Kruzich.

The girls team also had a good night with Avery Schmidt placing third with a time of 16:44. “Just like the boys team, our role players of Addison Kepner, Ashley and Megan Sharp and Breezy Poolman are doing their best to shave down their times,” said Kruzich.

The cross country teams competed at Eddyville/ Blakesburg Invite on Tuesday night and will be at the Knoxville Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

“I’m excited about the way we are looking at this point in the season,” said Kruzich.