DEFOREST — With its first trip in more than a decade to the DeForest Norski Classic on Thursday, the Baraboo Thunderbirds boys cross country squad kicked off its 2008 campaign.

The Baraboo harriers placed sixth out of an 11-team field with a score of 139, while the host Norskies took top honors with a score of 75.

"It's been a while since we've participated in this meet, but we knew we'd see some of our conference opponents and there'd be some good competition," said Baraboo coach Pete Arndt. "For being a young team with not a lot of varsity experience, I thought it was a nice start for us."

Tomah's Derrek Storkel out-paced the field by a healthy margin, recording the five-mile meet's top time, 16:26. For the T-Birds, it was sophomore Matt Rosene leading the way, placing eighth in a time of 18:03. Freshman Gerret Bruni finished 21st, clocking in at 18:49.

"For only being a sophomore, Matt Rosene did real well," said Arndt. "Gerret Bruni recorded his personal best and came on strong the last mile, so that was very good to see."

Rounding out Baraboo's top five, Derek Nelson (28th, 19:15), Jake Backman (38th, 19:38), and Bryan Schwarz, (44th, 19:50).

Both the boys and girls teams are in action on Saturday at the Verona Invite. The boys race starts at 9 a.m.

Deforst Norski Classic

Team standings: Deforest 75, Waunakee 81, Portage 100, McFarland 104, Lake Mills 124, Baraboo 139, Reedsburg 166, Berlin 201, Tomah 236, Menona Grove 257, River Valley 308.

Baraboo finishers: Matt Rosene (8th, 18:03; Gerret Bruni (21st, 18:49); Derek Nelson (28th, 19:15); Jake Backman (58th, 19:38); Bryan Schwarz (44th, 19:50); Evan Rossiter (46th, 19:59); Jake Hackbarth (48th, 20:10); David Rossiter (60th, 20:38); Jake Labeots (68th, 20:59); Tommy Kliest (69th, 21:02); Chris Rector (105th, 22:27); Travis Leverenz (108th, 22:35); Mike Prorchaska (139th, 24:26); Christian Stone (147th, 26:21); Kevin Veloso (151th, 27:19).