ENID, Okla. — Cooler temperatures were a welcome sight for Oklahoma Bible Academy’s Merritt Suenram, who warmed up for next week’s regionals by winning the Chisholm Invitational Saturday at Crosslin Park.

Suenram had a time of 17 minutes and 28.89 seconds over the 5K course to edge out teammate Blaine Whitson, who was second in 17:38.44.

The Trojans edged Hooker, 42-45 for the team championship.

“I love this weather,’’ Suenram said. “It’s so much easier to run in. It feels good to win. The pace was about where I wanted it. This is a confidence builder for regionals. I definitely wanted to run for God and give him the glory.’’

Logan Jantz was 15th for the Trojans in 19:04.79, followed by Carson Combest, 19th, 19:11.53; Chase Wehrenberg, 22nd, 19:23.11; Issac Harris, 45th, 20:09.25; Caden Hawley, 72nd, 23:10.20; Caleb Yape, 81st, 26:38.16; Blaine Spencer, 82nd, 27:06.94.

“Merritt and Blaine did their usual good job today,’’ said OBA coach Clellie Richards. “The bottom half of our lineup has shown a lot of improvement the last two or three weeks. The key to winning championships is your 3-4-5-6 runners and they are picking it up. Of course, it it’s always good to have Merritt and Blaine giving up almost zero points at the top.’’

OBA is ranked No. 2 in 3A boys in this week’s OHSTrack.com rankings. They will be challenged by No. 4 Jones at the regionals next Saturday at Crosslin.

“We’re in a good position,’’ Richards said.

Chisholm’s Tommy Grebe (18:45.98) and Ryan Tom (18:55.14) were 11th and 13th. Teammate John Beebe was 55th in 21:12.63.

“It wasn’t my best race, but I did okay,’’ Grebe said.

“We’re young, but we’re getting there,’’ said Chisholm coach Joe Spurlock. “Tommy went out a little quick on the first mile, but this should put them in good shape for the regionals.’’

Watonga’s Wyatt Johnson was third in 17:41.42.

Tonkawa, led by individual champion Omega Reese, beat out Perry, 55-81 for the girls team title. OBA was third with 98 points.

Reese covered the two-mile distance in 12:39.71 to edge out Balko’s Jaylee Mays, who had a 12:41.56. Jessica Blanton of Deer Creek-Lamont was fourth in 12:57.12.

“I started out slow, but I ended pretty fast,’’ Reese said. “She (Mays) pushed me. I like running in the cooler weather. It takes a lot less out of me.’’

Chisholm freshman Fallin Robinett was ninth in 13:34.60. Teammate Logan Amsler was 26th in 14:22.94

“I’m making a lot of progress,’’ Robinett said. “It’s a lot different from middle school, but I’m definitely getting in the routine of things. I would rather run in the cold. The heat takes so much out of you.’’

“I’m proud of her,’’ Spurlock said. “It looks good for next week for her.’’

Ryan Turpin was OBA’s highest finisher, taking 12th in 13:41.31. She was followed by Kelsey Glazier, 20th, 14:09.68; Molly Payne, 23rd, 14:12.24; Katie Irwin, 53rd, 15:43.82; Hope Shreve, 65th, 16:14.84; Kalley Watkins, 92th, 18:02.77; and Amanda Hole, 93rd, 18:15.71.

“The girls ran real well,’’ Richards said.

Chisholm Invitational

Girls

Team — Tonkawa 55, Perry 81, OBA 98, Texhoma 99, Beaver 128, DCLA 134, Hooker 144, Hydro-Eakly 178, Canton 193.

Individual — 1. Omega Reese, Tonkawa, 12:39.71; 2. Jaylee Mays, Balko, 12:41.56; 3. Chandler Tarrant, Tonkawa, 12:56.17; 4. Jessica Blanton, DCLA, 12:57.12; 5. Catherine Sawyer, Watonga, 13:12.47; 6. Marian Muegge, DCLA, 13:18.56; 7. Ashley Neighbors, Weatherford, 13:19.86; 8. Javeh Roberts, Merritt, 13:29.53; 9. Falon Robinett, Chisholm, 13:34.60; 10. Kathryn Campbell, Texhoma, 13:40.83.

Other Area Top 25 — 11. Jennifer Swart, Drummond, 13:41.51; 12. Ryan Turpin, OBA, 13:42.31; 16. Natalie Haworth, Watonga, 13:57.08; 17. Sarah Garvie, Burlington, 14:04.48; 18. Shay Bryant, Laverne, 14:05.58; 20. Kelsey Glazier, 14:09.68; 23. Molly Payne, OBA, 14:12.24; 24. Cidney Thompson, Timberlake, 14:15.92; 25. Kylee Payne, Kingfisher, 14:16.38.



Boys

Team — OBA 42, Hooker 45, Watonga 87, Weatherford 97, Beaver 98, Blackwell 131.

Individual — 1. Merritt Suenram, OBA, 17:28.89; 2. Blaine Whitson, OBA, 17:38.44; 3. Wyatt Johnson, Watonga, 17:41.92; 4. Alan Murphey, Kingfisher, 17:52.26; 5. Andy Dominquez, Laverne, 18:03.16; 6. Jose Cerda, Hooker, 18:27.53; 7. Tyler Snedeker, Luther, 18:31.43; 8. Roger Escubedo, Weatherford, 18:34.04; 9. Jordan McFarland, Hooker, 18:36.03; 10. Gage Stout, Blackwell, 18:36.66.

Other Area Top 25 — 11. Tommy Grebe, Chisholm, 18:45.98; 13. Ryan Tom, Chisholm, 18:55.14; 15. Logan Jantz, OBA, 19:04.79; 16. Ryan Stark, Watonga, 19:07.27; 19. Carson Combest, OBA, 19:11.53; 22. Chase Wehrenberg, OBA, 19:23.11; 25. Kris Parker, Kingfisher, 19:26.26.