“Ironically, the best weather we’ve had for a race this year happened at the Section 6A Meet today in Pierz,” commented Head Coach John Van Kempen of the Knights.  “The girls began the day, placing 4th of the 25 teams.  We raced great with our top 5 all placing in the top 34 of the 150 racers.  Eighth graders Taylor Bennet and Alexa Blume had their best race of the season placing 23rd and 34th, respectively.  We were most proud of how they came out and competed against Staples- Motley and Albany, both top ranked teams in Minnesota.” 

Teagan Nelson qualified for the state meet, placing 11th, along with teammate Lexi Bright who placed right behind her in 12th.  Brynn Fernholz placed 26th, Brooklyn Runge in 106th and Quinn Huntley in 134th. 

“It will be Teagan’s and Lexi’s fourth consecutive appearance at state,”noted Van Kempen.  “The course was soggy in spots and we haven’t been able to race in over two weeks, but the girls went after it when the gun went off today.”

The boys, in a very competitive field with Staples- Motley came out with a victory to advance to the state meet for the fifth consecutive season.  Number one state ranked Emmit Anderson of Staples-Motley took first, beating #2 state ranked Jacob Bright who finished 2nd.  Hunter Klimek, the #3 state ranked racer finished in third. 

“Our team was able to put our next four, Alex Salwasser (5th), Jack Van Kempen (6th), Kade Runge (10th), and Kyle Schill (12th), in front of SM’s third runner which was huge for us.  We had all five in the top 12 in a field of 170 runners.  Alex had a great race and is getting faster with each race.  Our strength is our ability to stay together and pack run.   Jacob, Jack and Kyle will be competing in their fifth state race so lack of experience won’t be an issue and finishing in 2nd at the state meet last year gives us confidence, too.” 

Reubens Swanson was the sixth WCA runner to cross the finish line in 25th and also had his best race so far, followed by brother Shad Swanson in 36th. 

http://www.gopherstateevents.com/results/cc_rslts/cc_rslts.asp?meet_id=621&race_id=3445&sport=cc