The Becker girls cross country team last Thursday picked up a state tournament berth by claiming their third straight Section 5AA title.
Becker ran away with the title, scoring 50 points, while Zimmerman finished a distant second with 59 team points.
“The team really wanted this one and ran a very determined race,” Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy reported. “The day was cool and the course was muddy and wet after all the rain . . . it was even a bit more slippery as the boys race had already been run on the course.”
The team has been long on potential all season and Reimer-Kealy had her runners ready to make a statement.
“We talked about competing -- racing and not just running,” Reimer-Kealy said. “They came to compete and proved they deserved the championship.”
8th grader Adele Changamire was again the team’s top runner, as she has been all season. Her time of 19:20.2 placed her 4th overall, with her coach saying, “she ran a strong race throughout.”
Senior Alea Briggs continued her solid season and was the second Bulldog to finish, a 7th place time of 20:10.4.
“Much of her race was run on her own (not near others) and that can be difficult but she handles that well,” Reimer-Kealy said.
Becker’s 3rd runner was 7th grader Andie Changamire, as she placed 9th with a time of 20:37.1.
“She was closing in on Layton from Big Lake at the end, but just ran our of real estate,” Reimer-Kealy noted.
Olivia Babler (senior) came in 13th in 21:01.2.
“Olivia has been focused all season and once again proved herself,” said her coach.
Laney Hodel continues to improve her racing skills and she was Becker’s 5th and final scoring runner, placing 19th with a time of 21:18.9.
Tasha Berthiaume (senior) and Katelyn Brower (10th grade) were the other Becker runners rounding out the team.
“Tasha and Katelyn placed 29th and 31st and they provided a solid finish to our team of runners,” Reimer-Kealy said. “We also had 2 alternates waiting in the wings if needed in Alyssa Brower and Lorelei Swanson.”
Reimer-Kealy sang the praises of her team after the competition, noting their skill and character as being equally impressive.
“We are very proud of the efforts of each of our girls,” said the coach. “They are amazing teammates and runners along with being fine people.”
State
Becker will compete at the State meet on Saturday (Nov. 4) at the Les Balstad Golf Course in St Paul. Girls class AA runs at 2:45 p.m. and fans are encouraged to look for information on the MSHSL website concerning parking and admission.
