By Allie Paulzine, Student Reporter The Warrior Cross Country team competed at the Turkey Trot in Worthington on Thursday, September 14th. The boys and girls teams both placed second behind Sioux Falls Lincoln in both races.
Mara Clarke, as only an eighth grader, led the girls team and placed first in 20:19. Clarke also was named Radio Works Athlete of the Week. Then, just a second behind her in third, was Laiken Farris. And the third top ten runner for the Warriors was Sophia Nelson (21:06) in sixth. Sioux Falls Lincoln then occupied spots 6-11. Holland Vogel (21:53) was next for the Warriors placing 14th. In 64th, seventh grader Isabela Schreier made her varsity debut. The girls’ determination and close finishes led them to their second place spot.
For the boys, Fanuel Wolday of Worthington won their race. Evan Bumgardner (17:32), Mathew Stapek (17:37), and Alex Betz (17:37) placed 12th, 13th and 14th. Next for the Warriors was Caleb Appel (18:08) in 23rd and Beckett Stelter (18:32) in 37th. In 46th and 47th, Aiden Appel (19:56) and Wesley Hause (19:57) finished one second apart. Another close finish for the Warrior boys were Zach Kirchner and Tyler Reith finishing nine seconds apart to place 55th and 58th. The final runners for the Warrior boys varsity were Blaine Braun (21:35, 68th), Walker Biren (23:37, 95th), and Carter Knakmuhs (24:17, 102). The junior high ran a shortened 1,600 meter race where Tessa Alquist placed 26th for the girls. The boys junior high earned second place with 48 points. In sixth, Micah Janssen ran 6:45. Then Connor Pieske (7:24) was in 18th. Garret Reith (7:45) and Carson Sykora (8:07) finished back to back, placing 22nd and 23rd. Then in 26th and 27th were Carter Larson and Bobby Keller. Great job boys for another podium score!
Congratulations to all the Warriors for battling the heat and wind but still doing your best. The Warriors Cross Country team will run next on Tuesday, September 17th in Madison. Go Warriors!
