The Chesterton boys cross country team got its season off and running on Tuesday with a third place finish at LaPorte’s Jack Bransford Classic.

The host Slicers won the event with 16-team points, followed by Andrean (52), Chesterton (95) and Mishawaka Marian (114).

Austin Palombizio was the top runner for the Trojans with a 16th place finish in 17:46.0. He was followed by Manny Orlich (20th, 18:10), Ryan Cutter (21st, 18:11), Conner Ennis (23rd, 18:23) and Eric Menn (24th, 18:28).

Chesterton returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Indianapolis for the Carmel Classic beginning at 8:30 a.m.

1. LaPorte, 16; 2. Andrean, 52; 3. Chesterton, 95; 4. Mishawaka Marian, 114.

1. Mitch Hubner (L), 16:17; 2. Austin Alcorn (L), 16:54; 3. Josh Hojnacki (L), 16:57; 4. Stuart West (L), 16:58; 5. Tony Spalding (MM), 17:03; 6. Morgan Dearing (L), 17:09; 7. Blaine Wolf (A), 17:10; 8. Pat Musgrave (A), 17:12; 9. Nate Gerick (L), 17:26; 10. Dakota Dubbs (L), 17:27.

Chesterton finishers: 16. Austin Palombizio, 17:46; 20. Manny Orlich, 18:10; 21. Ryan Cutter, 18:11; 23. Conner Ennis, 18:23; 24. Eric Menn, 18:28; 27. Joe Niepokoy, 18:48; 34. Kevin Miloshoff, 19:10; 36. Zach Williams, 19:26; 38. Jacob McNicholas, 19:30; 40. Kevin Kenney, 19:44; 44. Billy Witte, 20:06; 48. Rick Freeman, 20:16; 50. Jonah Noel, 20:22; 52. Joe Larimer, 20:29; 57. Matt Johnson, 21:11; 60. Tony Davern, 21:23; 61. Jacob Korba, 21:23; 62. Tyler Vore, 21:31; 65. Riley Buckles, 21:36; 68. Josh Devries, 22:01; 69. Seth Eash, 22:08; 70. Cody Mang, 22:10; 73. Eddie Kaczmarek, 22:25.

Posted 8/25/2010