EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The Tigers ran a shorter distance than usual to start the varsity cross country season. Competing against teams from Blue Springs South, Cameron, Fort Osage and Grain Valley, the Tigers ran Aug. 30 on a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) course in Grain Valley. Senior Jacey Brewer was the fastest Tiger in the girls race, placing 11th in 14 minutes, 31 seconds. Senior Macey Chaney placed 14th in 15:34. Senior Kylie Albertson finished 24th in 18:36 and senior Breanna Williams rounded out the Excelsior Springs girls finishers by placing 29th in 24:14. Tyler Rumore led the boys squad by finishing 16th in 11:56. Freshman Silas O’Dell came in 41st in 15:24, followed by junior Damien McDade, who placed 44th 15:49. “The course is called ‘Pancake’ because it is completely flat, with the exception of one hill,” coach Brian Smarker said. “The runners did OK, considering the excessive heat they had to ...