Cardinals run fourth in first meet of year

ALTOONA — The Newton girls cross country team opened its 2008 season with a fourth-place finish at the Southeast Polk Invitational Tuesday evening. According to NHS coach Mike Castings, there were 11 full and partial teams and 180 runners. Sophomore Abby Reed led the Cardinals with a 10th place finish, while senior Amy Vos took 12th. Other scorers for Newton included sophomore Katie Ranard in 23rd, freshman Sarah Penning in 26th and Kara Brown in 45th. Castings said freshman Mariah Doland and sophomore Allie Sheets also earned varsity spots. “I was very pleased at the way the girls came prepared to run and competed very well,” Castings said. “It was great to see Abby get her season off to a good start. She ran with a smooth confidence. The