Eagles clinch runner-up finishes at home invite

The Oak Mountain High School cross-country teams secured runner-up finishes on Saturday at their home meet, the Oak Mountain Invitational.

The Eagles placed second to Hoover in both varsity races. Hoover edged Oak Mountain in the boys division, 50-53, while the Hoover girls cruised, 21-75.

Eagles head coach Jim Moore said he loved what he saw from both squads.

“They ran the race plan; they worked as a team, closed the last [kilometer] like they’re supposed to,” Moore said. “They looked awesome.”

Jonah Barrett, a junior, led the Oak Mountain boys with a fourth-place finish. He navigated the challenging 5K course at Heardmont Park in 16 minutes, 58 seconds.

Northside’s Tanner King won the race in 16:31.

“He’s a team leader,” Moore said of Barrett. “That’s why they’re running so well, because he motivates them.”

Barrett was one of five Eagles to place among the top 16, and one of two to finish in the top 10. Hansen McCown took eighth in 17:08. Walker Cole (12th, 17:17), Eric Marin (13th, 17:17) and Bryce Keefover (16th, 17:31) rounded out the team’s top five.

Evie Bell, a sophomore, set the pace for her Oak Mountain girls. She placed third in 20:23 to help break up a pack of Hoover runners. Five Bucs finished in the top seven.

Kate Van Beek and Emma Grace Phillips also placed among the top 15. Van Beek crossed the line in 12th with a time of 21:14, while Phillips crossed the line in 14th with a time of 21:19.

Anna McGowan (26th, 22:09) and Adrienne Cooley (28th, 22:13) rounded out the team’s top five.

The Westminster School at Oak Mountain girls finished third in the team standings. Top 10 performances from Hallie Porterfield (eighth, 20:42) and Sarah Kate Lipperd (ninth, 20:44) propelled the Knights.

Oak Mountain and the Westminster School at Oak Mountain will both return to action on Saturday at the Jesse Owens Classic in Oakville.