NATCHEZ – The West Lincoln cross country team made a successfuldebut in the Natchez Invitational as the Bears finished runners-upto South Pike in the varsity division. Also participating wereteams from Natchez, Cathedral, North Pike, McComb and Vicksburg St.Aloysius.

Finishing in the top six for the Bears were Colton Welch, secondplace; Jay Case, third; and Jared Case, sixth, in the 5K or3.1-mile distance.

Sabrina Foster represented West Lincoln in the varsity girls 4Kand finished 11th.

In junior varsity action, West Lincoln’s boys finished first.Troy Allred led the Bears with a first place finish; Peyton Casewas second and Cane Kimble third.

The WL junior varsity girls got a second place finish fromCourtney Carroll. They also ran a 4K.

“I was surprised and real pleased with the results,” said WestLincoln coach Case. “We are encouraged by their performance.”

Over 100 runners participated in the event. The course began onthe Natchez High School track and followed a path along the NatchezTrace before returning to the football stadium.

Next action for West Lincoln is Sept. 25 at Southern Miss. Thegirls run at 4:30 p.m. and the boys at 5:15.