In one of the most anticipated events of the year, both Lincoln cross country teams impressed, as they both took team titles at last week's Owasso Relays.

The girls team, made up of Bentley Stewart, Isabelle Truitt, Madison Miller and Tennyson Housley, ran 38:38 to handily beat Owasso, which ran 39:15.

The boys group, consisting of Sammy Farris, Garner McAfee, Ty Brooks and Trevor Hacker, 32:48, well ahead of runner-up Bishop Kelley, which ran 33:48.

Both teams took great advantage of the once-a-year event, something that head coach Stephen Lewelling thought might be possible.

"We always look forward to the unique format of the Owasso Relays and the 1.5 mile loop," Lewelling said. "Following the Deer Creek meet, the four fastest runners are put together to do a 4x1.5 mile relay. The boys barely missed first last year and the girls were third but I thought we had a real chance of winning."

The boys team cruised against the competition, including last year's 5A state champion.

"The boys had to get by 5A defending state champs Bishop Kelley," Lewelling said. "The foursome of Sammy, Garner, Trevor and Ty put together four solid legs and won by over a minute."

On the girls side, Lincoln took down the two biggest state champs from a year ago in a big way.

"The girls went up against 6A and 5A state champs Owasso and Bishop Kelley," Lewelling said. "Between Bentley, Izzy and Madi, we were able to push to a big enough lead that Tennyson could coast in."

After coming close last year, Lewelling was proud of both teams for continuing to improve and finally coming through, conveniently during the same year.

"It was a big moment for the program," Lewelling said. "We've always wanted to win the meet and to do it with both teams was exciting."

Both teams are back in action tomorrow for the annual Distance After Dark meet, hosted by Rogers State. This year, the event is at Mohawk Sports Complex in Tulsa.

"This is a great meet that is held under the lights on the flattest possible surface," Lewelling said. "We've had many alumni run at Rogers State so it's nice to keep that connection as we run at their meet."

Both teams are not only off to fast starts in the Tulsa area and around Oklahoma, but are making waves nationally, as well.

The boys and girls are both ranked in the top-30, with the boys coming in at No. 22 and the girls at No. 29 on MileSplit.com.

"It's a pretty big achievement," said Lewelling. "More teams will run 5ks across the nation and I assume our time will stay competitive. That number will change throughout the year and frankly, doesn't matter, but it is fun to know where we sit."

The Bulldogs will host the "Mid Season Meet of Champions" next weekend on the campus of LCS and COTM on Saturday, Sept. 13.