Hawk runners complete their season at State Qualifying Meet
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn brought its boys and girls cross country teams to the Class 1A State Qualifying Meet held October 21 at Holstein Country Club.
The Hawks were unable to qualify anyone for State amidst the strong field of runners. “They were running fast,” observed HMS head coach Kyle Borchers in regard to the participants at this site. “It was highly competitive.”
One of his runners achieved the goal of a sub-20 minute time and the other just missed that mark. George Vargas’ time of 19:36 earned him 38th-place. Bryce Dodge placed 49th with a 20:06 clocking. “George ran a good race,” stated Borchers. “He was chasing that time all year. Bryce was right there.”
Also for the Hawks Aiden Jensen finished 66th, Aiden Bush 72nd, Blaine Finster 87th, Damian Dodge 90th and Gavin Faulkner 101st. HMS posted a 294 total and placed 12th in the team results. “We were talking about points, points, points to see how well we could run as a team,” said Borchers. “We had a good showing, way better than last year.”
The teams from Fort Dodge St. Edmond and Woodbine were the top two finishers in both the boys and the girls races and will move on to the State Meet held this week at Fort Dodge. The Hawk girls were 11th with a 258 total.
Madison Otto fell short of her goal to make her first trip to the State Meet. The senior placed 39th with a time of 23:39. Only the top 10 individual finishers earn spots at State. “It was one of those things,” remarked Borchers. “She went out and did the best she could.”
The coach felt Juliana Pasillas ran “a fantastic race” in finishing 58th with a time of 25:36. Behind her were Kamryn Ebel who placed 60th, Gracie Knobloch who came in 66th and Ashleigh Vermeer who was 69th. “As a team we ran well,” declared Borchers. “I am proud of them.”
The coach wrapped up by stating that the HMS cross country program “finished well” this year.