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SPENCER - The Class 2A defending state champions Spirit Lake Park boys cross country team started the season with a test with Class 3A defending state champions Algona also in the season opener in Spencer on Tuesday.

Algona came out on top, but just barely, 35 to 36 over the Indians.

"There could be no better test for us and I'm very pleased with our performance," said SLP coach Tim Heinitz. "We'll get to see algona two or three more times this year."

SLP accomplished that feet with four runners competing on varsity for the first time.

Two familiar faces, Alec Baldwin and Keith Byers, finished third and fourth, respectively. Baldwin finished in 17 minutes, 1 second with Byers in 17:08.

Brandon Griffin finished eighth in his first meet in 17:53 with Mitch O-Neill finishing 10th in 18:07.

Will Norris completed the scoring, finishing 11th in 18:15.

Non-counting scores were 23rd by Kenan McQueen in 20:22 and Kyle Roach in 43rd in 21:19.

LeMars finished third overall with 94 points followed by Western Christian with 102, Spencer with 112 and Storm Lake with 121 to round out the top six.

The Indians return to action next Tuesday at their home meet at Brooks Golf Course in Okoboji.