MONROE — The South Hamilton cross country team embarked on the final stretch of the season with the Heart of Iowa Conference championships here Monday night.

Jesus Garcia scored a Top-5 to lead the way for the Hawks, placing fourth in 17:41. Hayden Hill was 20th in 19:00 followed by Trevor Zanker in 78th, Kaden Greenlee in 83rd, Miguel Martinez in 85th, Evan Gibson in 88th, Caden Christensen in 101st, Sterling Dietzel in 104th and Mason Roethler in 109th.

PCM claimed team honors as South Hamilton was ninth overall. Corben Lucchesi of Roland-Story was meet medalist.

Olivia Beaune was 22nd overall in 23:29 to lead the girls, as Cici Herrick placed 36th in 25:13. Bianca Seaton was 48th, Kayley Zanker finished 50th, Isabel Swenson was 61st, Laurel Johnson finished 70th and Vivian Swenson was 73rd.

“Vivian set a season best and had an incredible finish,” South Hamilton girls head coach Emily Bochmann said. “Kayley had her second-fastest time of the season.

“The course was a hilly course that pushed our athletes to compete hard. I saw lots of great finishes where the Hawks refused to let other runners pass them leading into the finish.”

West Marshall claimed team gold as South Hamilton was seventh overall. Addie Thompson of West Marshall earned the conference individual title.

South Hamilton will next be in action on Thursday, Oct. 23 when they host a Class 1A district meet.