Runners compete in the Jeffers Invitational on Tuesday in Painesdale. The Jeffers Invitational was the first high school sporting event in the Copper Country since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. (Paul Peterson/For the Gazette)

PAINESDALE — On a beautiful late summer afternoon, high school sports returned Tuesday in the Copper Country.

The event, the Jeffers Invitational cross country race, was the first prep sports event held locally since a Division 4 District 98 semifinal boys basketball game between Jeffers and Dollar Bay-Tamarack City on March 11 — 167 days ago from Tuesday.

Houghton proved to be too much for the ten-school field, taking the girls and boys sections.

The Gremlins girls squad was led by first-place finisher, Ingrid Seagen, who had a 20:13 clocking.

Seagren received help from teammates Paige Sleeman and Autumn Els, who placed sixth and seventh.

Chassell’s Gwen Kangas and Kamryn Sohlden came in second and third to give the Panthers a strong showing.

The boys meet first-place finisher was Kolton Kytta of Chassell with a time of 17:23, while Eric Weiss Houghton came in second. He was just nine seconds off the pace set by Kytta.

Weiss was backed up by Brandon Peterson (third) and Davin Evans (sixth).

Teams from Calumet, Hancock, Chassell, Houghton, Baraga, Watersmeet, Jeffers, Dollar Bay-TC and Ontonagon were on hand for the season debut.

“It was sure nice to see the kids out there competing again,” Jeffers superintendent Tim Keteri said. “It’s been a long, dry spell for everyone.”