BOX ELDER, S.D. – The Douglas Early Bird opened the 2026 cross country season for area athletes Friday at Prairie Ridge.

Winning the girls’ race was Rhys Pearson of Belle Fourche, crossing the finish line in a time of 20:47.7.

Taylor Harrelson of Rapid City Christian was second in a time of 21:18.2. Tacha Zephier of Red Cloud finished third and Isabela Thorson of Belle Fourche was fourth.

Top placing Scooper was Spencer Proefrock, finishing in 10th.

Winning the boys race was Ruben Bokegard of Sturgis, finishing in a time of 16:06.3. Lennon Clarkson of Belle Fourche was second in a time of 16:24.2. Wyatt Balliew of Douglas was third and Mason Gill of Spearfish placed fourth.

In the team stadings for boys, Douglas was first, Belle Fourche was second, Sturgis was third and Spearfish was fourth.

In the team standings for girls, Belle Fourche finished first, Hill City was second, Sturgis was third and Douglas was fourth.