Facing superior challenges during the season bodes well for success in the postseason.

The Fort Stockton cross country program was put to the test in their trip to Big Spring on Sept. 3 to compete in the Eric Stinson Invitational.

A total of four runners from the Panther and Prowler squads placed inside the top 10 after working their way through a course that featured a variety of elevation changes, including a 110-feet change in the 5K race.

Ali Jackson placed third, Summer Hinojos took fourth, and Arissa Jimenez finished in 10th place in the girl’s division.

Fabian Perez returned for the Panthers and placed seventh.

“The course was a change of scenery for us and the hills were a challenge that we took head on,” Fort Stockton head coach Sergio Guardiola said. “We do not want to run against the usual, close, and comfortable meets. We want to be challenged and elevate all of the runners in the program.”

In the middle school division Madi Castro placed second in the girl’s race.

Fort Stockton will travel to Wink to compete on Saturday, Sept. 10.