The Becker Bulldog girls cross country team had a successful MSHSL State Meet last Saturday, placing tenth out of the 16 teams that competed in the race. It was the first time in the past 30 years that the state meet was held at the Les Bolstad Golf Course.

“The day was a good temperature but the course was very muddy and wet from the prior rain,” Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy said after the race.  “Also we were the last race to run (after the 2 races of  Class AAA and 2 races of Class A and the boys Class AA) and his made for a bit of difficult footing but the girls ran well and placed right about where we were predicted to finish.”

Marshall captured the title with 81 points, followed by St. Paul Highland Park and  Alexandria to round out the top three.

In the state meet, the top 25 performers are named to the all-state team and Becker’s Adele Changamire just missed the honor.

“Adele came within one place of an All-state award, placing 26th with her time 19:23.2,” Reimer-Kealy noted.  “She has been consistently a top runner in every meet she has run.”

Alea Briggs again Becker’s number two performer, placing 57th out of the 160 runners in the race. 

“Her time was 19:58.9 and she was very close to the runner just ahead of her,” Reimer-Kealy said.  “Alea has been another bright spot all season and the off season work she put in has really paid off.”  

The coach also had praise for Senior Olivia Babler, who came back strong this year after battling a health issue during the middle of the season. 

“Her perseverance is amazing, and her time of 20:57.6 placed her at 106.” said Reimer-Kealy.   “Andie Changamire has had an amazing first season of cross country and despite battling a hip issue that curtailed her training she battled through this hilly, muddy course to place 114th with a time of 21:13.5.”

Just three places behind Andie was Laney Hodel, who came in at 117 with a time of 21:21.5. 

“Her improvement has been great with each race as her experience gave her confidence,” said her coach.  

The Bulldog score was rounded out with Katelyn Brower in 148th with a time of 22:43.5.  

“It has been great to see her come-back this year and to see her succeed,” Reimer-Kealy said.  “In addition, Senior Tasha Berthiaume has been a constant presence on our team since her 7th grade year and her experience has been invaluable.”  

Berthiaume’s time of 22:57.5 placed her in 152.

Reflecting on the season, Reimer-Kealy noted that the team chemistry was a strength all season.

“Each of these girls has worked together so well as a team and their bond only makes them stronger,” said the proud coach.  “The seniors have been such strong leaders and good role models for their younger teammates.  For this team to do so well again this year after missing teammates Lexi Rose and Ella McDonald, who were such a big part of the team at the last 2 state meets, is a statement on their resilience.  Lexi and Ella were with us offering support all year and again at the meet on Saturday.”

Reimer-Kealy also noted the team’s alternate runners, Alyssa Brower and Lorelei Swanson. 

“They have been working hard in practice as well just in case they were needed to step up,” said the coach.  “We appreciate all the support we received this year from the Activities Department and all the parents, as well as the Patriot Newspaper.”