Cross country season in Palm Beach County started off with a muddy race in Palm Beach Gardens, with favorites Craig Peroni of Jupiter and Ashley Brasovan of Wellington each coasting to a win.
Peroni, a junior, finished in 17:10, more than a minute ahead of John Moran of Wellington, who ran 18:17 for second. Jupiter and Wellington had four of the top five spots, with Antonio Brandan of Wellington taking third in 18:22 and Jason Pinlar of Jupiter taking fifth in 18:41.
The Wellington boys took the team title with 39 points, twenty fewer than second place Jupiter. Conference rivals Cardinal Newman and Palm Beach Gardens were third and fourth, with 83 and 107 points respectively.
On the girls' side, Wellington freshman Ashley Brasovan clocked the second fastest time of the meet, running 17:46 to defeat teammate Lauren Muntz by two minutes. Pope John Paul placed four girls in the top ten, including third and fourth place finishers Emily Robinson (19:59) and Jenna Redfearn (20:04).
Pope's depth gave them the win over Wellington, as they scored 34 points to Wellington's 48. Host Palm Beach Gardens was fourth, with 135, four points behind district and conference rival Jupiter.
