TACOMA — North Kitsap Cross Country coach Lee Hodin knew he had a young squad heading into the first meet of the season at Capital Saturday.

But he had no idea how many of his runners would finish at the top of their respective grades. And at a meet with more than 25 schools racing, that can count for a lot, he said.

“The awards stand was littered with North Kitsap runners,” Hodin remarked. “A site not quite familiar to these eyes.”

Team members Jennifer Gregg, Kelly Cates, Nick Cameron and Cody Bradwell each finished in the top 10 in the nine-year history of the meet. And overall, the team broke ground on the season in grand style, he said.

“Grade after grade, gender after gender, harriers were running great, smart races,” he said. “There were quite a few breakthrough performances.”

The 2.23-mile course was muddied from rains the night before, Hodin said, and scattered showers during the race made for more difficult conditions.

On the boys’ side, junior Wes Power achieved the best time for the Vikings with a 12:31. Sophomore Cody Bradwell was not far behind with a 12:38. Will Cameron had a 12:48 to place third among Vikings, followed by freshman Nick Cameron with 13:21 time — also a top 10 finish in his grade. Sophomore Zac Simmons finished at 13:33 and sophomore Matt Stickney took a 13:41 time.

On the girls’ side, junior Greta Stickney was the top finisher for North, coming in with a 15:19 time. Freshman Cates came in with a 15:26 time, followed closely by fellow freshman Gregg at 15:28. Britt Seaburg, also a ninth grader, got a 15:35 time and junior Bethany Friesen got a 17:33 to round out the field.

The team will next compete at 3:15 p.m. today at Robin Hill Park.