AUSTIN — The Albert Lea Cross country team had a strong showing in their first meet of the season, with the boys’ and girls’ teams taking second and fourth, respectively.

“I was impressed with my young runners as they have been asked to do a great deal,” Albert Lea head coach Jim Haney said. “They handled themselves very well.”

The girls were led by Bailey Thompson, a transfer student from Mankato East who was sixth in the Big Nine last season. Thompson finished second with a time of 15 minutes, 23.54 seconds.

“Thompson had a very impressive race,” Haney said. “She pushed the pace early and was just behind a girl from Rochester Lourdes.”

Steven Kruen led the boys’ squad, finishing in 17th place overall.

“Kreun led the way and has been my leader for the past two years,” Haney said. “He set a good pace and finished strong.”

Kreun was followed by Andy Christian, Blair Bonnerup, Luc Malimanek and Eli Malimanek.

“These boys are ninth and tenth-graders and were able to handle the pressure of running at the varsity level,” Haney said.”

The Tigers run again Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Olaf College in Northfield.