Mercedes High School cross country runners turned in strong performances at the 31st Annual Mercedes XC Invite, led by varsity runner Jimmy Flores, who placed third in the varsity boys division.

Flores’ finish marked his third consecutive top-three performance. Teammate Juan Sosa also placed well, finishing 11th.

In the junior varsity boys division, Ryan Banda captured first place, while Jose Moreno earned fifth place in the freshman boys division.

The performances added another strong showing for the Mercedes Tigers cross country program as the season continues.

 Varsity Boys 5000 Meter Run Results:

1 Elijah Flores FR McAllen 16:32.86 1

2 Daniel Castillo JR Pharr Valley View 16:34.48 2

3 Jimmy Flores JR Mercedes 16:47.32

4 Vicente Velasquez JR Hidalgo Early College 16:49.85

5 Omar Sanchez JR Weslaco East 17:19.25 3

6 Andy Moreno JR McAllen 17:23.99 4

7 Ulysses Lazo FR McAllen 17:29.26 5

8 Aldo Cordova FR McAllen 17:31.09 6

9 Tam Asekomeh SR McAllen 17:33.86 7

10 Emilano Mejia SR Pharr Valley View 17:49.78