Coming off a Four Rivers Conference (FRC) team title nearly two weeks ago, Matt Candrl’s Owensville Dutchmen harriers looked to add a district title to their list of season accomplishments during Saturday’s Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 3, District 3 Cross Country meet held at Owensville High School.

After the Class 3 girls ran their race, the Class 3 boys took their turn on the course with the orange and black looking to defend their home course.

Having four runners in the top 30, Owensville secured their first district title in boys cross country since 1995.

“Our guys did a really nice job defending the home course against good competition,” Candrl said.

Senior Zach Holtmeyer led Owensville’s quartet of All-District harriers with a second-place time of 16:29.46.

“Zach did a really nice job with his race,” Candrl said. “He sat and waited for his opportunity to open things up and secure second place.”

He was followed in the top 30 by senior Cris Reyes (16th, 17:27.48), sophomore Grayson Lairmore (22nd, 17:38.05) and senior Drake Dietrich (24th, 17:38.72).

“It was awesome to see four guys earn All-District honors,” Candrl said. “We’re ready to see what we can do on an even faster course at state.”

Rounding out Owensville’s district championship squad was sophomore Dylan Dietrich (33rd, 18:04.15), freshman Max Altemeyer (41st, 18:31.48) and sophomore Bo Buddemeyer (44th, 18:35.36).

“Max and Bo ran really well as our sixth and seventh runners,” Candrl said. “They will gain valuable experience running on a state-qualifying team.”

Topping the Class 3 boys team standings with 97 points, Owensville finished ahead of Lutheran St. Charles (108), Helias Catholic (112), St. James (145), Centralia (184), Blair Oaks (187), Eldon (189), Bowling Green (195), Mexico (257), Fulton (267), Wright City (280), St. Francis Borgia (284), Southern Boone (300), St. Clair (321), Hallsville (415), Versailles (418), California (450), Moberly (467) and Salem (569).

During the Class 3 girls race, senior Ella Davidson led the Dutchgirls with a 46th-place time of 23:33.01.

She was followed closely by junior Leola Hamann in a 47th-place time of 23:34.85.

“I was really pleased with how Ella (Davidson) and Leola (Hamann) ran today,” Candrl said. “They both ran a personal best on their home course and were determined to be successful.”

Rounding out the Dutchgirl contingency at the district meet were sophomore Leah Hays (59th, 24:09.43), sophomore Meredith Reed (87th, 27:11.16) and Avery Poggas (105th, 32:08.22).

Placing 13th as a team with 299 points, the Dutchgirls placed behind Helias (86), Lutheran St. Charles (106), Moberly (112), Bowling Green (124), Blair Oaks (172), St. Francis Borgia (173), Southern Boone (183), Fulton (194), Versailles (207), St. Clair (2210, Centralia (234) and Mexico (254).

Owensville’s Dutchmen will compete Friday morning in the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships in Columbia during the Class 3 Boys Race at 11:45 a.m.