Competing in 93-degree heat against a field representing 37 states, the North Kingstown girls cross country team captured fifth place in the Nike Race of Champions at the Great American Cross Country Festival, held last weekend for the first time at Spain Park in Hoover, Ala.

The Skippers were not initially accepted into the elite race until after their performance at the Injury Fund Carnival at Goddard Park earlier this month, said coach Keven O’Neil.

Relying on the team’s trademark pack running strategy, the Skippers received strong efforts from Allie Stasiuk, Alexa Mazur, Caitlin Crawford, Mary Najarian, Erin Brennan, Monica Black and Marissa Hayward.

A number of other schools also made sure that Rhode Island was represented well that day.

La Salle took 18th in the featured race with sophomore Jeanne Christiansen leading the way.

On the boys side, senior All-Stater Steve Wood placed 13th in guiding Hendricken to an 18th-place team finish in the Nike Race of Champions.

Competing in the Girls Invitational Race, defending Rhode Island girls state champion Coventry placed fourth, paced by sophomore Caitlin Grimshaw (13th place) and junior Lindsay Paiva.

The Oakers were also represented in the Boys Invitational Race, as A.J. Johnson took sixth.