Cary Academy eighth-grader Thomas Graham placed 23rd overall at the USA Track & Field Junior National Cross Country Championship in Lawrence, Kan. on Saturday.

Graham ran the 4-kilometer couse at Rim Rock Farm, considered one of the most difficult and most pure cross country courses in the nation, in 13:57.

With snow and ice covering the ground and the temperature at 23 degrees — 8 degrees with the wind chill — Graham showed grit and determination as he competed against the top 300 14-and-under runners in the United States.

In a field that was deep and talented, Graham found himself having to battle back after a torrid start in the first 400 meters that left him in 60th place at the beginning of the race.

Undeterred, he worked his way up through the field to finish as the sixth fastest 13 year-old in the U.S. and 23rd in the nation for the 14-and-under boys division.

He was the top finisher from the USATF’s Region III, which represents North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.

Burns wins Walsh Ironman

Cardinal Gibbons senior Jon Burns further cemented his status as one of North Carolina’s best wrestlers last weekend.

Burns became the first North Carolinian to win a weight class in the 13-year old, nationally prestigious Walsh Ironman Tournament in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Burns entered the 145-pound draw as the fourth seed.

He won his first match 10-1 over Broken Arrow (Okla.) freshman Zach Skates.

He followed that up by pinning Walsh Jesuit (Ohio) junior Tim Spence in 3:30.

In the quarterfinals, Burns secured a 12-7 decision over Palmetto Ridge (Fla.) senior Richie Dehnz.

In his semifinal match against No. 1 seeded Mario Mason, a reigning junior national freestyle, national prep and Ironman champion from Blair (N.J.) Academy, Burns rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win 7-4.

Burns won the final 4-1 against No. 2 seed Ben Jordan, a two-time Ohio state champion.

Burns improved his record to 20-0 this season and currently has an 85-match winning streak.

He went 65-0 and won the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A/2-A state championship as a junior. He also won the 140-pound national title at the National High School Coaches Association Junior National Wrestling Championships. Burns will wrestle next year at the University of Nebraska.

The Walsh Ironman has been described as the toughest tournament in the country and attracts the best teams from around the U.S. every year.