The Big Lake boys cross-country team battled with Becker for the second time in two weeks at the Section 5AA meet in Princeton last Thursday.

The outcome was the same as a week earlier as the Bulldogs edged the Hornets to take the section title by two points. Both teams move on to the state meet.

Jack Leuer won the individual title for Big Lake again, finishing in 15:58. Becker showed its strength by taking the next three spots within 20 seconds of Leuer.

Judd Layton was next for the Hornets, crossing the finish line in ninth in 16:42.7. Following him for Big Lake were Trent Erickson (11th, 16:47.1), Gavin Flavin (14th, 17:06.8) and Gavin Vold (21st, 17:43.2) as the remaining point scorers.

Theo Johnson (22nd, 17:46.1) and Eli Henning (33rd, 18:00.2) were the sixth and seventh finishers for the Hornets.

Final team scores were: Becker 54, Big Lake 56, St. Cloud Tech 141, Monticello 144, Princeton 154, Foley 154, St. Cloud Apollo 155, St. Francis 183, Zimmerman 193, Spectrum 222, Milaca 252.

Coach Todd Trutna said the boys were hoping to repeat as section champs, but they gave it their all.

“The team ran on this same course two weeks ago on a much better day, and across the board, the Hornets were either able to match or in most cases better those times,” he said.

For the girls, Greta Layton just missed a trip to state. The eight-grader placed seventh in 19:38.1. The top six individuals who were not on the first or second place teams qualified for the state meet.

As a team, the Hornets had their best team performance of the season and finished in sixth place.

Campbell Slattery finished in 12th place in 20:26.1 and ran nearly 40 seconds faster than her last race at Princeton.  

“We knew Campbell would be close to state qualifying, but unfortunately with how the race played out, she too missed a trip to state, said Coach Trutna. “In the boys race, 12th place qualified for the state meet.”  

The next four Hornets across the line were middle schoolers   Hazel Guldseth (35th, 22:27), Elsie Jagusch (40th, 22:49), Clara Devine (50th, 23:28) and Aubri Judge (51st, 23:48).  

“All four improved by over a minute from the last Princeton meet, and it was incredible to see how this group improved since they moved up to varsity,” said Trutna. “This team will definitely be fun to watch over the next few seasons.  Senior Erin Kjellberg rounded out the squad (54th, 23:57).  

“Erin was crucial in helping the four middle schoolers adapt to the 5000 meter distance.  She has been such a great positive leader on our squad,” said Trutna.  “It was great to see her have a full season.  She will certainly be missed next year.”

Final team scores were: Zimmerman, 77, Becker 81, Monticello 84, Spectrum 115, St. Francis 124, Big Lake 144, St. Cloud Tech 165, St. Cloud Apollo 166, Milaca 226, Princeton 250.

The boys are making their fourth straight trip to the state meet, which takes place today (Saturday) at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights. Jack Leuer is currently ranked third in the state in Class AA.