The Council Grove Braves Cross Country finished 25th among 55 teams in the Boys Blue division Saturday at the 2026 Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence, competing in a field of 391 runners.
Overnight rain left parts of the Rim Rock Farm course spongy and slick, adding another challenge to a course already known for its hills. The rain stayed away during the morning races, however, and cooler temperatures were a welcome change after the warmer conditions the Braves faced the previous weekend.
“Heading into Saturday we had a goal of finishing in the top half of the team standings, knowing there would be about 50 to 60 teams in the Blue race,” Coach Joshua Gant said.
The Boys Blue competition was divided into two races, with the results later combined for the overall standings. Council Grove finished with 669 team points, placing 25th. The Braves’ five scoring runners combined for a time of 1:39:21, an average of 19:53.
Senior Jadyn Picolet led Council Grove, finishing 37th overall among 391 runners in 18:12.74. He was listed 32nd for team-scoring purposes, which excludes runners who did not factor into the team scoring.
Carter Bremer was the Braves’ second finisher in 19:49.28, placing 133rd overall, followed by Hayden Horton in 19:58.28 for 143rd. Brody Nelson finished 191st in 20:29.51, Brayden Jarvis was 220th in 20:50.80 and Aaron Crotts finished 344th in 23:46.88.
Gant said Nelson, Horton, Jarvis and Crotts each recorded season-best times. Bremer moved back into the No. 2 position in the Council Grove lineup with his 19:49.28 performance.
The course became increasingly difficult as the races progressed, Gant said, with several downhill areas becoming slick and the final uphill section before the cemetery particularly challenging.
“I like where we finished, 25th out of 55 teams,” Gant said. “We didn’t have our best day and still hit our goal of the top half. That’s what I like about this group, they are never satisfied.”
Gant said the field included Class 4A schools as well as teams from outside Kansas.
“Knowing they were in the top half of a big, competitive field that included 4A teams and schools out of state isn’t enough for them,” he said. “They are hungry and competitive and looking to post their best performances in the next few weeks. They should have a great opportunity at home this week.”
The Braves will host their invitational Thursday at Canning Creek Cove, with races beginning at 4 p.m.