Photo: The Belmont High Cross Country team that finished 17th in Division in the MIAA All-State meet (from left) Eli Meretta, Jason Kim, Jared Rife, Trevor Smith, Ronnie Rubenstein, George Pomer and Jackson Coelho.

It’s been a while since the last time the boys’ harriers from Belmont High have earned a spot in the MIAA All-States cross country finals – reportedly it’s “the first time in a while” said one Belmont elected official – so it was a notable performance by the team Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Division 1 championships held in Wreatham.

After finishing an impressive 7th in the Division 1B championships a week earlier, Belmont placed in the top 20 coming in 17th with 389 points in the D1 finals over that 5K course.

Leading Belmont to the line was senior stalwart Jackson Coelho who finished 37th in the 24th scoring position in 16 minutes,18.9 seconds. Fellow senior Trevor Smith came home in 56th in 16:39.6 while 9th grader Jared Rife (who finished 19th in the division round) impressed in the 68th slot in 16:47.1.

Rounding out the Marauders finishers were senior George Romer (17:08.4), juniors Jason Kim (17:40.6) and Ronnie Rubenstein (17:44.7) and 9th graders Eli Merrette (18:57.4).