Willmar seventh-grader Lauren Eilers won the individual title (18:55.7) and eighth-grader Katelyn Motter (19:01.9) of Rocori was second.  Third place went to Alexandria senior Caitlin Bright (19:16.5).  Rocori eighth-grader Paige Larsen (19:18.5) Alexandria sophomore Aleah Miller (19:20.6) claimed fourth and fifth place, respectively.

“We had so many great moments at tonight's meet,” said Fergus Falls Head Coach Niki Welde.  “Emily Nuss received All Conference Honorable Mention honors with her 19th place finish.  She faced the absolute best in the section and state tonight.  She ran an aggressive time on a soft hilly course never letting the race get away from her.  The top 3 teams in the section were there tonight battling and she found herself in the middle of that mix.  I'm always amazed at the focus and poise she brings to races like this. Makenna Stenstrom and Emma Rund both completed their final race of their regular season high school careers.  Their love of the sport was apparent in their reactions to crossing the finish line tonight.  They both have been true leaders in their journey and I will miss them both so much.  They are institutions on our team.   What they brought to the team was exactly the community we try to create. Our section roster was settled in the placing they came in tonight.  Emily Nuss, Ainsley Hansen, Karolyn Papon, Sierra Hatlewick, Ellia Soydara, Makenna Stenstrom, and Rebecca Schindler.  They will be joined by Mariah Fults and Miah Schmidt on the official roster.  Mariah and Miah each dropped nearly a minute to race to the section team roster.”

Natalie Fransen and Brooklyn Berge ran a solid 5K with each recording one of their best times of the season.  Phoenix Williams ran her final season race with a 45 second drop.  

“Tonight also brought change to our Middle school girls team,” reported Coach Welde.  “Naomi Dummer, Kayley Reitmier, Kate Heikes, and Ahlea Mouser completed their last middle school race as we look forward to their talents on our high school team next year. And last but certainly not least, Hannah Scharnberg ran in her second 5K race tonight earning a 4 minute PR.” 

Full results at gopherstateevents.com