Senior Jacob Bright set the new school 5K record by running the course in 15:27, getting second place and eclipsing Ryley Nelson’s record of 15:50 from 2016.  “He has won his previous two races quite easily but there were some of the state’s best runners here and Jacob did not back down, coming through in the first mile in 4:40 and eventually finishing in second place,” reported WCA Head Coach John Van Kempen. 

The boys’ team came in third overall, losing only to top ranked Perham from the Class A and Class AA ranked Bemidji.  “We just can’t believe how fast these guys are, our top 5 finished the race in under 17 minutes and then to come in third is a tribute to the quality of local competition,” said Van Kempen. 

Jack Van Kempen set a personal record, finishing in 11th place and in 16:08.  Kade Runge was next in 16th place and in 16:26, also a new personal record.  The fourth and fifth runners (Alex Salwasser and Kyle Schill) actually showed a perfect 17:00 on the clock and in 31st and 32nd place.   Reubens Swanson was the sixth finisher in 48th place in just under 18 minutes and Shad Swanson in 68th in just under 19 minutes. 

The WCA Girls Team finished in 7th place with Teagan Nelson leading the way to finish in 17th place. The Knights also had Lexi Bright returning to varsity action for the first time this season finishing in 25th place.  The next three that counted for the team score were Brynn Fernholz in 40th, Taylor Bennet in 43rd, and Alexa Blume in 45th.  Brooklyn Runge was next, finishing the course in 68th.  “We’ve had a difficult time getting back to full strength and we are trying to bring everyone along slowly as we progress through our running schedule,” said Coach Van Kempen.  “Everyone improved on their times from the previous two races and we hope to see that progress continue.” 

WCA’s Jr High boys ran an excellent race, ending up in first place overall.  “It was great experience for them to race together,” added Van Kempen.  “Everyone had to do fulfill their role within the team.” 

The boys Junior Varsity had Peyton Hanson in 34th, Roman Mihailovschi in 37th, Eli Bergman in 38th and Tyler Biss in 71st.  “These guys have a solid work ethic and come to practice every day and are improving,” said Van Kempen.

The girls’ junior high had Blair Reuter in 13th, Quin Huntley in 18th and Stephanie Reeves in 47th.