HOYT LAKES— Zoe Devine was the top Ely finisher at the Iron Range Conference cross-country championships held here last week. Devine, a junior, finished fourth in a field of 38 runners with a time of 21:16.7, to help the Timberwolves to a second-place overall team finish in the event.
The Ely girls had help, as well, from seventh-grader Molly Brophy, who finished in seventh, with a time of 22:07.1, followed in eighth place by junior Phoebe Helms, with a time of 22:12.2. Anna Dunn was the only other Ely finisher in the top 20, finishing at 19th place with a time of 24:27.4.
The Ely boys had a tougher time against a field of 65 runners, with junior Jake Cochran leading the team with a 12th-place finish, with a time of 18:23.4. Senior Gabe Pointer finished in 20th place with a time of 19:12.8, followed closely by ninth-graders Caid Chittum (22nd-19:18.9), Jace Huntbatch (23rd- 19:26.2), and Silas Solum (24th- 19:34.6).
Ely runners will compete in the sectional competition on Thursday, Oct. 28, at Cloquet. The state cross-country meet is set for Saturday, Nov. 6, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.