The Emery Spartans cross country team traveled to Salt Lake City to open the season at the Premier Invitational Saturday afternoon.

Competing against 1A, 2A and 3A schools, the Emery boy’s team claimed first place in a field of eight teams as they ended with 54 points. Morgan came in second with 67 points, while Judge Memorial, Carbon and Monticello rounded out the top five.

Junior Jess Christiansen ended with the competition’s best time as he completed the 2.9 mile course in 15:51.9. Senior Bryar Meccariello helped bolster the Emery point total as he finished second with a time of 16.09.4.

Merrit Meccariello gave the Spartans a third top-15 finish as he crossed the line in 17:50.9. Mason Hurdsman and Camdon Larsen finished 19th and 20th respectively.

The Emery Lady Spartans ended fifth in a field of seven squads after accumulating 136 points. Morgan easily clinched the top spot with 22 points, followed by Carbon’s 63. Judge Memorial and Grantsville ended third and fourth.

Adaley Lester recorded the top time for Emery as she finished at 22:35.7, ending 11th overall. Kallee Cook gave the Lady Spartans a second top-25 finish as her time of 24.49.1 was good enough for 23rd place.

Emery will return to competition on Aug. 26 as they share a duel meet with the Carbon Dinos.