Summer-like heat settled over Duluth’s Enger Park Golf Course for this year’s Swain Invitational on October 4. Temperatures climbed above 80 degrees, an uncommon sight for the storied fall meet, which is known more for cold winds, rain, and wet muddy trails. The North Shore Storm cross country team handled the heat well, making the most of the sun-soaked afternoon.
Founded in 1951 and named for Duluth Central coach John Swain, the Invitational has long been a hallmark of Minnesota high school cross country. Since the 1990s, it has called Enger Park home, featuring rolling hills, open fairways, and sweeping views of Lake Superior.
Following a hiatus that began in 2019, the Swain Invitational returned this year, reviving a long-standing northern Minnesota cross-country tradition for a new generation of athletes.
In the Class A Girls 5K, the Storm varsity team placed eighth overall, led by Ezme Mundell (24:27.1) and Sierra Gaetz (24:30.8). Elizabeth Swartz (24:57.4), Lindy Dix (25:07.4), and Grace Swartz (25:21.5) rounded out the scoring group.
On the boys’ side, the varsity team earned third place, paced by Chance Jacobsen (20:06.2), Maxwell Taylor (20:38.7), and Aiden Schlangen (20:55.6).
The Girls JV 5K squad captured the team title, finishing first overall with a combined time of 1:46:43. The Boys JV team also claimed first place, both victories highlighting the Storm’s promising future.
In the Junior High Boys 3K, North Shore finished fifth out of 10 teams. Arlo Litterst led the group with a 10th-place finish in 11:49.5, followed by Kysen Jacobsen (11:59.4) and Owen Nix (13:20.2). Eloise Swanson (14:39.4) led the Junior High Girls 3K effort, showing steady improvement for the program’s younger runners.
The Storm, which brings together athletes from Grand Marais, Silver Bay, and Two Harbors, hosted its home meet at Pincushion Mountain on October 9. They still have two more competitions scheduled this month, giving the Storm a chance to build on their strong season performances.
