Rhinebeck cross country competed in the MHAL championship meet yesterday hosted at the Hudson Valley Sportsdome.

The boys placed 6th as a team with 133 points, improving on their 9th place finish in 2019 and posting their highest finish since 2013. Leading the way once again was junior Joe Hagerty, overcoming a muddy course, a mid-race fall, and the temporary loss of a shoe to finish 14th in a time of 18:37. Junior Christian Cale finished on his heels in 15th place with a time of 18:38, followed by sophomore Griffin Giles in 18:41 for 18th place. All three runners earned all-league honors. Rounding out scoring for the boys was Marc Hoffman (38th, 19:40) and Edgar Pastran (58th, 20:28).

Other finishers for Rhinebeck were: Manny Allen (63rd, 20:54), Ryan Kappeller (68th, 21:44), Thomas Hewitt (88th, 23:27), Fredric Winham (97th, 24:11), and Reagan Aierstok (103rd, 25:48).

On the girls side, Jillian Hanna was the top finisher in 47th place (28:35) with Melkitu Dentico close behind in 48th (28:39).

Rhinebeck travels to Bear Mountain State Park next week to compete in sectionals and vie for qualifying positions in the upcoming State Championship.