Cleveland Heights opened its cross country season with a strong five-runner performance Saturday at the Hoka XC Showcase, led by a sixth-place overall finish from Kassadi Thompson.

Behind that top-six showing, four of Cleveland Heights’ five runners produced their fastest opening performances compared with the start of previous seasons. The fifth runner finished near the time recorded at the beginning of last season, leaving the entire group at or ahead of its recent early-season level.

The opener gave Cleveland Heights a solid foundation for the meets ahead. With a sixth-place individual finish, a new personal record and four runners already ahead of their previous season-opening pace, the Tigers leave the Hoka XC Showcase with clear evidence of early progress.