DELTON, MI — Picture-perfect autumn weather and the picturesque, historic backdrop of the Gilmore Car Museum set the stage yesterday for the 18th Annual Delton Kellogg Invitational. Playing host to runners from across the region, the Delton Kellogg Panthers cross country team delivered a strong showing on their home course, with both the boys' and girls' varsity teams securing podium spots with third-place overall finishes. In the boys' 5,000-meter varsity race, Delton Kellogg earned 62 points to place third behind team champion Holland Calvary Christian (26 points) and runner-up Paw Paw (36 points). Senior Landon Madden led the way for the Panthers, putting on a standout performance by crossing the finish line in 4th place overall with a season-best time of 16:58.39. The Panthers displayed strong group running through their top pack to lock in their third-place position: Landon Madden (Sr.): 4th overall, 16:58.39 (SB) Malachi Allersma (So.): 12th overall, 18:33.57 Joseph McCoy (Jr.): 13th overall, 18:40.02 (SB) Jace Hilton (Jr.): 14th overall, 18:42.04 Ayden Jones (Jr.): 19th overall, 19:25.47 Sophomore Lucas Doubledee (20:14.29, SB) and freshman Trace McCoy (20:18.01, PB) rounded out the top seven for Delton Kellogg. The Lady Panthers matched the boys' success in the girls' 5,000-meter varsity race, scoring 92 points to secure third place in a competitive field behind team champion Paw Paw (21 points) and Hastings (47 points). Senior Riley Perley set the pace for the Delton Kellogg squad, capturing a top-10 spot by finishing 9th overall in 23:46.98. The Lady Panthers posted a tight pack among their second, third, and fourth scorers to solidify their podium standing: Riley Perley (Sr.): 9th overall, 23:46.98 Olivia Vincent (So.): 20th overall, 25:44.72 (SB) Evelynn Courneya (Sr.): 21st overall, 25:51.88 Madison Gruber (Sr.): 24th overall, 26:06.03 Peyton Danks (So.): 29th overall, 26:44.15 Senior Makayla Lutz (29:36.66) also scored as the team's sixth runner. Between the sunny skies, pristine museum grounds, and impressive local running talent, the 18th running of the invitational proved to be another resounding success for the host program.