Round 2 of the "regular season" Northern Lakes Conference races were run on the Tigers home course Tuesday, and it was a good night for the Tigers. The girls team won the race with a team score of 39, boasting 4 of the top 11 finishers on the night. Goshen was 2nd with 66. Sammi Rastrelli led the charge with a brilliant 2nd-place overall finish, setting a new course PR of 18:49.0. Dani Rastrelli backed her up with a strong 4th-place run in 19:37.3, and Eden Metz kept the Tigers rolling with a 6th-place finish in 19:56.3. Hanna Fisher continued the push, taking 11th in 20:50.8, and Savannah Purdy sealed the victory with a huge PR of 21:21.1 to place 16th. From start to finish, Coach Jason Fleming said the Lady Tigers put together one of their best team efforts of the season with multiple course, personal, and season PRs across the lineup. “We could not have asked for more from anyone tonight,” said the coaching staff. Warsaw has won each of the first two legs of the NLC season championship, which accounts for 40-percent of the overall score for determining this year's overall conference champion. The NLC's final race accounts for 60-percent of the formula for the championship. ----- The boys team improved on a 7th place finish in Round 1 to come in 4th on their home course Tuesday. Senior Jackson Gackenheimer led the charge with a 12th-place finish, followed closely by Junior Jack Boggs (23rd), Junior Jaxon Lehman (25th), Freshman Eli Swinehart (26th), Junior Nolan Stump (27th), Senior Sam Allebach (30th), and Junior Alex Hoover (32nd). “Our pack running tonight was a real highlight, with runners 2–7 all finishing within a tight pack of 23rd to 32nd,” Coach Matt Campbell said. “If each of them can move up just a few spots, we’ll be in a great position at the championship meet. I’m pleased with the fourth-place finish and encouraged by the potential this group is showing. Some athletes had big efforts for us, and even on nights when a few guys aren’t at their best, we’re still right in the mix. We know we’re capable of more, and we’re eager to show that in 18 days at the NLC Championships.” According to Campbell, Gackenheimer’s role went beyond his own result. “He was pacing tonight; before the race we gave him the choice to go for the win or help pace teammates, and he chose to pace,” Campbell said. “It was great to see so many of our guys hang with him through the first mile—that’s exactly the type of racing we’ll need in big meets. At the NLC Championships we’ll be putting seven athletes on the line who are ready to get out aggressively, step out of their comfort zones, and give themselves a chance to do something special. We’re excited to see what this group can do when it all comes together.” Campbell also highlighted individual progress. “Senior Sam Allebach put together a really strong race tonight, and I think it can be a turning point for him heading into the next few weeks,” he said. “He’s steadily rebuilding his fitness and showed flashes of it when he dominated our 1600 time trial last week. If he keeps trending upward, he can be an important piece for us down the stretch. It was also encouraging to have Freshman Eli Swinehart back on the course. His running volume has been limited lately, but he’s been working hard cross-training to stay ready. The times aren’t where he wants them yet, but if he stays healthy, he’ll be in a great spot by the end of the season.” The junior core has been a backbone for the Tigers all season. “Jack Boggs, Jaxon Lehman, Nolan Stump, and Alex Hoover once again gave us steady, reliable performances and continue to be consistent for us,” Campbell added. Northridge won the boys race with a team score of 33 and 5 of the top 10 individuals. The final NLC race is Saturday, October 4 at Ox Bow Park northwest of Goshen. See the full results by clicking on the attachments.