GYPSUM — The Ellsworth cross country team traveled to Southeast of Saline Sept. 19.

As the Bearcats started the day, it began to get increasingly hotter and windier, making for “less than ideal conditions,” as head coach Eric Coonrod put it. The team still ran well.

Freshman Molly Ehrlich medaled in 22nd place, running a time of 23:00. Ehrlich has placed at every meet so far.

With a time of 26:57, sophomore Kate Rathbun finished in 50th.

Sophomore Addison Thomas finished 52nd with a time of 27:23 and right behind her was freshman Reese Grothusen, finishing 53rd with a time of 27:25.

Competing in over 30 mph winds and hot temperatures made the course even more difficult than on a normal day. Coonrod saw positive outcomes from each runner, despite the conditions.

“It had turned very warm, and we had to contend with 30-plus mph winds,” Coonrod said. “While it wasn’t a day for personal best times, we still had several junior high and high school Bearcats who came home with medals. I am proud of how we ran in less than ideal conditions.”

The cross country team will compete at their home meet Oct. 3.

Cats trounce Trojans 43-15

HILLSBORO — The Ellsworth varsity fooball team traveled to Hillsboro Sept. 22 to face off against the Trojans.

The Bearcats won the toss and began on defense. The first quarter ended tied 8-8. In the second quarter, senior Will Cravens threw a pass to senior Riley Stone to score. Following this, senior Ian Andalon scored a touchdown run and brought the score to 20-8, Bearcats.

Back-to-back quarterback sacks by the Cats and strong defense kept Hillsboro out of the end zone.

Andalon scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run and brought the score to 28-8 Bearcats at halftime.

Andalon scored a short touchdown run with 8:24 left in the third quarter. The extra point was good. With the score 35-8, the Cats were able to control the second half.

Senior Loden West scored with 9:46 remaining in the fourth quarter and brought the score to 43-8, Bearcats.

Hillsboro pushed back, and with 3:30 left in the game, scored. The extra point was good and the game ended 43-15.

The Bearcats look forward to homecoming against the Lyons Lions Sept. 29.

Oiler volleyball team splits at triangular tournament

CLAFLIN — The Central Plains Jr./Sr. High School Oiler volleyball team split the Sept. 19 triangular on its home court.

Central Plains defeated LaCrosse 25-21 and 27-25, but the Oilers fell to Otis Bison 25-22 and 25-23.

In the third game, Otis-Bison defeated LaCrosse 25-16 and 25-20.

The Oiler volleyball team is 5-9 for the season.