Tough competition stood as a barrier against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn’s cross country runners extending their season. The Hawks ran at the State Qualifying Meet held October 24 at Holstein Country Club but were not able to advance any runners to the state meet.
“It was a solid field with some good teams and really strong runners,” noted HMS coach Naet Hoaglund. “We knew we’d have to run out of our minds to be in the mix.  Unfortunately, we didn’t compete to be in the mix.”
The boys placed sixth in the team competition with 206 points but only the top two teams advanced. Those teams were Ogden (34 points) and Sioux Central (59).
“I thought they had really good starts,” said Hoaglund of his boys runners. “The course had a pretty decent incline to start the race and I thought our guys did a really nice job with that and set themselves up well. I was pleased with where we were as a team after the first 1000 meters through about the halfway point of the race. We were fairly consistent with our top 5-6 runners through that point in the race.”

Sophomore Easton Teal was first among the Hawk boys, placing 28th. The cutoff for individual qualifiers was 12th place. “Easton was able to separate himself from his teammates and had a really strong last 1200 to 1500 meters,” said Hoaglund. “Easton’s preparation led him to finish as high as he did. He takes the workouts seriously and completes them the way they are prescribed. Easton isn’t afraid to get out of his comfort zone, so whether it’s practice or a race, he’s always challenging himself and competing.  He was gritty and knew that he would have to endure some discomfort.”
Kamryn Ebel was the first HMS girl to cross the finish line. The senior finished 22nd but only 10 individuals qualified for state. “Kamryn ran a solid race,” stated her coach. “I thought she had a pretty good start and was in a decent position. I had her at about 30th/31st place after the first mile. She did a lot of her work in that second mile. When she came past that second mile she was in that 22nd-24th place. I thought she was consistent and relaxed throughout and competed hard. She ran very confidently which was fun to see.”
Freshman Brooklyn Erickson joined Ebel in the girls race. She finished 48th. The girls team qualifiers were Alta-Aurelia with 49 points and Sioux Central with 51.
A cluster of Hawks followed Teal across the finish line. Ryan Grotluschen finished 48th, Damian Dodge placed 49th and Aiden Bush was 50th. All three are seniors. Right behind was freshman James Carlin in 51st place. Senior Blaine Finster came in 55th and junior Carter Dolphin wound up 83rd.

“Overall, I’m proud of the growth and team and individual accomplishments earned this season,” said Hoaglund. “I thought our kids worked and competed hard. I’m thankful for our senior runners and all that they’ve given this program.”
Boys Varsity Team Results: Ogden 34, Sioux Central 59, Sibley-Ocheyedan 88, Ridge View 121, Alta-Aurelia 149, HMS 206, South O’Brien 210, Akron-Westfield 214, MMCRU 234, Newell-Fonda 235, Trinity Christian 282, Gehlen Catholic 292, Westwood 360.
HMS Varsity Individual Results: Easton Teal, 28th, 19:23.59; Ryan Grotluschen, 48th, 20:11.33; Damian Dodge, 49th, 20:12.74; Aiden Bush, 50th, 20:13.44; James Carlin, 51st, 20:15.76; Blaine Finster, 55th, 20:54.81; Carter Dolphin, 83rd, 23:33.01.
Girls Varsity Team Results: Alta-Aurelia 49, Sioux Central 51, Ridge View 59, West Bend Mallard 124, Newell-Fonda 149, Ogden 159, Emmetsburg 175, Gehlen Catholic 198, Westwood 201, GTRA 284.
HMS Varsity Individual Results: Kamryn Ebel, 22nd, 23:20.69; Brooklyn Erickson, 48th, 27:09.35.