Saturday, the Geckos men's and women's cross country teams saw their first action of the season, competing at the George Kyte Invitational in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The junior college women's race was won by Pima's Jamie Shrader, but GateWay's own Carrie Weldy of Laveen took it to the rest of the field and snatched up the runner-up position.  Her time was a noteworthy 40 seconds and 1/8 of a mile ahead of the next runner, blazing across the finish line of the 3 mile course in 20:17. Other impressive performances were handed out by Hollie Tice and Brook Vance, finishing in the team's second and third scoring positions, respectively. Tice (21:16) and Vance (21:33) kept each other in sight and by doing so put three GateWay runners in front of Scottsdale's third varsity runner. 

On the men's side, GateWay's Boone Ebel snagged the final podium spot, earning bronze in the junior college division. His time of 28:38 was a mere 33 seconds away from both winning outright and over the next place opponent on the 5 mile course. Pima Community College won the men's and women's titles for the day and David Scott of Pima ran away with the men's title in 28:05.

Both teams look forward to competition at Scottsdale Community College at this weekend's Artichoke Invite.