Vicenza freshman Kelsie Torgesen sped across the finish line in first place Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, trailed by Rota's Lila Cypers. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes)

LAGO DI FIMON, Italy – Scorching summer temperatures may have dropped a bit, but expectations are not cooling off for Vicenza cross country runners.

On a brisk and sunny Saturday morning in the hills outside Vicenza, the Cougars hosted competitors from Aviano, Naples, Sigonella and Rota and raced around Lago di Fimon in their second cross country meet of the season.

Vicenza runners were first in both races, but at this point in the season, it’s all about setting goals.

“I want to win Euros,” said Vicenza senior Mitchell Horrigan, who won the boys race in a time of 17 minutes, 19 seconds.

It wasn’t his personal best, but he’s currently got the fastest time posted to Stars and Stripes this season and said the cooler weather will only help him improve.

James Montanio, a Vicenza senior, took second at 18:05, a personal record.

“I want the team to take first at Euros, because we’ve been [defeated] by Aviano the past few years,” he said.

The field at the boys cross country race Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, near Vicenza, Italy, was crowded at the beginning as usual, but the runners spread out gradually. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes)

Grady Guth, a 16-year-old who recently moved to Sigonella from Stuttgart, said after running around Lago di Fimon near Vicenza, Italy, that he’s enjoying being part of his new school's cross country team so far. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes)

High school boys from Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, Sigonella and Rota take off around Lago di Fimon near Vicenza, Italy, on Saturday , Sept. 14, 2024, in their second DODEA-Europe cross country meet of the season. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripe)

Girls cross country runners prepare to race at Lago di Fimon outside Vicenza, Italy, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (Rebecca Holland/Stars and Stripes)

On the girls’ side, freshman Kelsie Torgesen of Vicenza said she hopes to get her time under 21 minutes this season. She won Saturday’s race with a time of 21:11. Lila Cypers of Rota took second.

The course halfway around Lago di Fimon and back is flat, with views of the mountains. Recent rains made some areas slippery, and bikers, hikers and families were sometimes an obstacle.

“The race was a little off for me,” Horrigan said. “I almost got run off the road.”

The runners have four more meets until the championship takes place on Oct. 26 in Baumholder, Germany.