Taking a trophy home from Hanover is always a sweet feeling for any Franklin team. Doing it two years in a row? Even better.

Franklin men's cross country successfully defended its title at the Hanover Invitational on Saturday, finishing with 31 points to outdo runner-up Thomas More (58) and the host Panthers (77).

William Hirsch led the charge by claiming the individual championship, navigating the 6-kilometer course in 20:03.60 to win by nearly 17 seconds. Hirsch was joined in the top five by Sam Wilson, who was fourth in 20:28.20, and Jonah Decker, who finished fifth in 20:32.81.

Riley Devening (10th in 20:45.37) and Zachary Schroeder (11th in 20:51.56) filled out the scoring lineup for Franklin.

Next up for the Grizzlies is the Louisville Cross Country Classic at Tom Sawyer Park, which will also be the site of the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in November.