Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin cross country opened its team season under the lights Aug. 29 with strong performances at the HOKA Night of XC Showcase at SPIRE Academy.

Competing in an event featuring more than 2,000 runners from four states, the Lions received contributions from returning runners and newcomers alike.

Senior Kyle Nedved led the NDCL boys, earning a medal with a 15th-place finish.

Junior Nathan Zanko followed in 34th, while senior Tyler Milk was just one-half second behind Zanko and finished 38th.

Luis Enrique Heredia-Salinas placed 247th, sophomore Blake Newman finished 264th and Noah Schneider was 388th. Newman recorded a personal-best time of 20:37.7.

The girls competed without two of their leading returning runners, Zoey Meyers and Lucy Edger.

Junior Kennedy Smith stepped into the lead position and finished 66th.

The meet also provided the first cross country competition for three Lions. Sophomore Avery Bender placed 73rd in her debut, freshman Caroline Weaver finished 108th and sophomore Katya Cobb placed 160th.

The performances were an encouraging opening step for two teams that entered the season focused on continuous improvement. With limited depth on the girls' side and four members of last season's top seven boys lost to graduation, the Lions are looking for growth throughout their lineups as the season progresses.

NDCL's preseason goal is to position both teams to advance to regional competition later this fall.