Du Quoin Harriers Solid in Opener

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Du Quoin High School's Cross Country teams survived a rather ominous

beginning to the 2008 season Tuesday, putting together solid efforts at the

Benton "Six-Plus" Invitational.

The Indians were forced to walk the final mile to the course after a

flat tire on the team bus, according to coach Kent Leek.

Still, Mallory Hill (21:21) medalled with a seventh place showing in the

girls varsity race. Fetima Pirtle also entered, but was disqualified.

In the boys junior varsity race, Jesse Wayer (19th, 23:02) earned a

medal.

Du Quoin varsity runner Trevor Hoffman (18th, 18:58) also made the top

20 to medal. Nathan Jackson, however, just missed by finishing 21st in

19:10.

The Indians run again Saturday at Carterville's John A. Logan

College Invitational.