“To get back on schedule, they combined the grade level races for the 7-9th grade,” reported Fergus Falls Head Coach Niki Welde. “Not only did they combine races, they all ran a 5k, which is more than the typical race for 7th and 8th grade. This made a huge field of 1030 runners in the first race alone.   The rain flooded the course in many areas.  By the time the high school teams ran, the route was deep mud in places.” 

The Otters ran all athletes in grade level races for grades 7-10.  Emily Nuss cracked the top 20 to claim a ribbon.  Makenna Stenstrom ran in second for the Otters.  “Makenna showed great gains running close to a season best time,” said Welde.  “Karolyn Papon cracked the top 20 bringing home a ribbon in her grade level race.  Becca Schindler raced close behind placing in the top 30. Ainsley Hansen raced hard today. It was exciting to see her find success in her grade level race.  Ellia Soydara ran a season best time on a soft course.   Sierra Hatlewick rounded out our top 7 performances of the day.”  

On the boys’ side, The 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys set the tone for the day. An unusual start forced the younger boys to up their race distance from a 3200m to a 5k. The 7th grade boys placed 5th as a team. Jack Welde led the pack and placed 6th, followed in by Logan Bredenberg placing 16th, Henry Greenagel placed 36th, Alex Burrows placed 69th and Bodin Komestakes with a solid race placed 71st. “It has been many years since any Fergus Falls team has placed this high at Milaca and it is an outstanding accomplishment,” said Welde.

Boys’ Coach Derek Meyer said, “Luke Schroeder continues to race strong, he had a solid race up against his 10th grade peers and just missed a podium finish, placing 21st. By the time the varsity boys took the course it had been chewed up and spit out by thousands of runners making the conditions quite messy. Joe Eberle, Kolsen Papon and Mason Olson had respectable performances. I thought all of our runners took the course and raced, times were not going to be record breaking and they went out after their competitors.”