IOLA — The Barton Community College men’s cross-country team began the 2014 season on Friday at the Kings Sandwich Classic in Iola.  
The group of first-year runners for the Cougars left with a course-record performance and placed two in the top four.  
“We performed well especially at the top,” said head coach Parker Cowles.  “We’ve taken strides in the program as the guys ran well.  As we get more experience and training, we’ll get even better.”
Making his cross-country debut, mid-distance standout Sampson Laari looked like a veteran on the 5k course.
Laari took the lead in the second mile of the race and held on for an 11-second win over Allen County’s Pedro Montoya, a native of Ellinwood, to set the course record in a time of 15:31.44.  
Devyn Brotherton finished second on the team, crossing the line in 16:16.43 to finish fourth overall.
Tony Perez finished third for Barton and 16th overall at 16:47.00, followed by Marcus Pastran in 17:55.00, Tyler Thornton in 18:30.00, Brady Holler at 18:38, and Elder Colindres wrapping up the list of Barton entries at 18:48.