Albert Lea middle schoolers ran in a home meet Tuesday for the first time in nearly 10 years at Southwest Middle School.

The Tigers had five runners place in the top three of their respective events, in a field that featured Austin, Owatonna, Mankato West and Mankato East.

“I am very pleased with the competitive level these young people have demonstrated,” Albert Lea varsity cross country head coach Jim Haney said. “They are learning the Albert Lea cross country way and they will only continue to get better.”

In the seventh grade boys’ race, Albert Lea’s Jay Skaar finished the two-mile race in first-place, finishing in 12 minutes and three seconds.

The Tigers had the top three finishers in the eighth grade girls’ race. Riley Schulz finished first in 13:11, followed by Haley Harms and Briana Himerich.

Sergio Chavez finished third in the eighth grade boys’ race in 11:57.

Herbie Lein, Conner Larson and Jake Sundblad all finished races for the Tigers.