Two Hawks run to all-conference honors at WEC Cross Country Meet
With two runners placing in the top 15, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn was able to secure two all-conference spots following completion of the War Eagle Conference Cross Country Meet October 10. Varsity and JV athletes ran together in both the boys and girls races over the course at Hawarden Golf Club.
“We had our only all-conference athlete from last season graduate, so it was great seeing new HMS athletes step up and receive War Eagle Conference honors,” remarked Hawk coach Kirsten Taylor. “On the boys’ side, George Vargas finished 14th to receive all-conference. Bryce Dodge rounded out the top 20 and finished 18th, just missing all conference by three spots. On the girls’ side, Lexi Croatt finished 15th to also receive all conference honors.”
Rounding out the boys team was Aiden Bush finishing 29th overall, Damian Dodge 44th, Blaine Finster 49th and Ryan Grotluschen 53rd. In the girls race Gracie Knobloch finished 28th overall, Clara Funk 32nd, Kamryn Ebel 37th and Juliana Pasillas 39th. Both teams finished fourth overall – just three points behind the third place winners. The Unity Christian boys and girls were each crowned WEC team champions.
“Overall, our kids competed hard as a team on a new course that was unfamiliar to them,” said Taylor. “Looking ahead to state qualifying, we are back in Holstein. We look forward to getting a practice in over there early in the week before we compete on Thursday. The opportunity is there for anyone to move on to the next level. Looking forward to a strong showing at our last team meet of the season!”
The state qualifying meet is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. on October 20, hosted by Ridge View. Joining the Hawks and the host Raptors will be runners from Akron-Westfield, Alta-Aurelia, Gehlen Catholic, Harris-Lake Park, Hinton, Lawton-Bronson, MMCRU, Ogden, Riverside (Oakland), Sibley-Ocheyedan, Sioux Central, Siouxland Christian, Remsen St. Mary’s, South O’Brien, Trinity Christian, Westwood and Whiting. The first two teams, plus the first 10 individual place winners will qualify for the state meet.
Boys Varsity Team Results: Unity Christian 21, Hinton 92, Trinity Christian 104, HMS 107, Akron-Westfield 107, Gehlen Catholic 113, South O’Brien 144.
HMS Individual Results: George Vargas, 14th, 19:36.22; Bryce Dodge, 18th varsity (20th overall), 20:17.30; Aiden Bush, 24th (29th), 21:50.50; Damian Dodge, 36th (44th), 24:10.15; Blaine Finster, 39th (49th), 24:46.33; Ryan Grotluschen, 42nd (53rd), 25:20.20.
Girls Varsity Team Results: Unity Christian 18, Hinton 50, South O’Brien 82, HMS 85.
HMS Individual Results: Lexi Croatt, 15th, 25:44.28; Gracie Knobloch, 21st varsity (28th overall), 27:15.05; Clara Funk, 23rd (32nd), 28:49.63; Kamryn Ebel, 26th (37th), 29:34.88; Juliana Pasillas, 27th (39th), 30:17.25.