Cold Springs defended its home turf on Saturday, sweeping the small-school titles at this year’s Kudzu Hills Invitational.

The Eagles, who edged Altamont by just five points (66-71) to snag the crown in the Class 1A-3A competition, secured strong outings from Cole Akridge (ninth), Jonathan Collett (10th), Seth Walker (12th), Aaron Spurger (16th) and Hunter Calvert (19th) to finish on top.

Holly Pond placed ninth overall. The Broncos were led by Parker Sellers (29th), Zackery Reynolds (32nd), Christopher Putman (37th), Seth Self (68th) and Andy Light (77th).

Cold Springs’ girls, meanwhile, outlasted Saint James (65-67) behind dazzling efforts from Reagan Parris (fourth), Ava Akridge (fifth), Ashleigh White (14th), Alyssa Jackson (20th) and Emma Hancock (25th).

Holly Pond’s Camilla Chambers finished second individually behind Saint James’ Presley Miles. 

The Lady Broncos — Abigail Kusz (21st), Madison Frnka (41st), Emma Grace Daniel (46th) and Maritza Roman (54th) — put together a sixth-place performance as a team.

Hanceville’s Malia Howell rounded out the top local runners in the small-school race with an 11th-place effort.

Over in the large-school division (4A-7A), Cullman’s Will Thompson notched a first-place finish (16:43.31) to propel the Bearcats to second behind James Clemens (54-61) in a 16-team field.

Jackson Tucker (fourth), Adam Mangum (10th), Edgar Medina (15th) and Walker Huddleston (31st) also contributed.

Cullman’s girls also finished runners-up to Lawrence County (22-47).

Jennifer Aviles (eighth), Bernarda Tizapa (ninth), Ivy Edge (12th), Della Kelly (14th) and Tess Heaton (21st) produced the speediest times for the Lady Bearcats.

Good Hope’s Bijou Phillips continued her fantastic season with a sixth-place finish.

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Arab Invitational

Fairview’s boys edged St. Bernard to win the small-school (1A-4A) title at Saturday’s Arab Invitational.

The Aggies (62) were paced by Peyton Bailey (fourth), A.B. Diaz (sixth), Keagan Hardin (seventh), Daniel Cook (ninth) and Jacob Hankins (36th).

Caleb Guthery, meanwhile, won the competition with a speedy time of 18:06.95. 

Joey McCarthy (fifth), Joseph Arriaga (10th), Francis Mami (25th) and David DeJesus (34th) put together good outings for the Saints (75) as well.

St. Bernard’s girls (46) finished just three points back of Ashville (43) for the top team spot. Fairview (96) placed third.

Chloe Tumbo (fourth), Emma Powell (fifth), Claire Sanders (seventh), Aria McMillan (16th) and Kathleen George (19th) delivered terrific efforts for the Lady Saints, while Angelica Antibero (10th), Carrington Chambers (12th), Alyssa Harper (15th), Kennedy Chambers (29th) and Zohie Ballenger (36th) contributed fine showings for the Lady Aggies.