The Becker Bulldog girls and boys cross country teams participated in the Alexandria Lions Meet of Champions at Arrowwood Resort  last Saturday. 

 

It was a cool and sunny day and Becker  got a preview of the course they will be running at their section meet in a few weeks. 

 

The boys varsity team placed 22nd in a field of 25 including outstanding teams like Stillwater, which won  the meet. They were followed by White Bear Lake, Chanhassen, Alexandria and Bemidji for the top five teams. 

 

Becker’s Luke Lahr placed 15th  and came home with a  trophy for his efforts.  His time was 16:37.3. 

 

“The other boys from the team all ran well too,” said Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy. “With a great team attitude.” 

 

Caleb Foster had a season best time of 17:44.5 for 82nd. Jonathan Novak ran 17:44.5 for a PR and  placed 106th. Olsen Pancoast was 139th  (19:10.2), Keith Sorensen placed 141st (19:19.3) and Sam Somrock ran a PR of 19:26.9 for 144th.  

 

“This was the best effort we have seen from these boys this year and they are the best boys team we have had in the last 10 years, each racing well,” said Reimer-Kealy.

 

The girls team had a very good day as well, placing 17th.  

 

Willmar, the #1-ranked team in the state, won the meet with the excellent score of 39. 

 

Rounding out the top five teams were Marshall, Chaska, Moorhead and Roseville. 

 

Alli Hendrickson was Becker's top performer, placing 26th. Her time of 15:29.2 was a PR for her.  The Hasz twins from Alexandria placed first and second and are the top two ranked girls in the state.  

 

Placing 53rd was Lexi Dehmer of Becker, earning a PR with the time of 16:08.3.  Sydney Mastey (106th- 17:07.6) and Tate Spinner (118th-17:32.1) continue to be consistent for Becker as their third and fourth runners.

 

Ellie Schwartz stepped up to Becker’s #5 spot, placing 122nd (17:50.5). Jada Rositas achieved a PR for her time of 18:02.4 and Haley Benda ran 18:11.2.

 

“Our varsity girls are really pulling together as our season comes to a head with our conference meet next week,” said the head coach.  

 

Becker did have two girls also run on the JV meet in Alexandria and they included Victoria Kolbinger, who ran a time of 18:05.1 and Renee Tripp who ran a 18:25.4.

 

“Both girls are doing a good job and getting good times,” said Reimer-Kealy.

 

The rest of the teams ran Tuesday at Albany and the girls JV placed first. Reimer-Kealy said they had a productive day despite the windy conditions.

 

Makenna Noaiell was Becker’s top finisher (4th-17:55.42), followed by Alli Garding in her first 4K race (5th -18:03.35) and Victoria Kolbinger (8th- 18:14.94). Callie Doucette  also ran her first 4K (11th - 18:37.92), followed by Deedra Lawrence (19:42.49), Michaela Allen (19:54.38) and Jessica Sand (20:54.51.

 

The boys JV was led by Sam Somrock (4th-1:27.21) and Devin Winter (20th-20:23.23). Also running were Nathan Sydow (22:25.29), Kyly Schroeder (22:28.55), Logan Lahe(23:52.39) and Lachlan Lahr (24:30.42).

 

The junior high girls were second as a team, running 3200 meters. Ashley May had a time of 15:07.5, Bryanna Edling 15:55.29, Erika Miner 16:39.58, Laura Pancoast 16:46.43, Karly Kowalsky 16:51.26 and Grace Wilhelm 17:27.64.

 

The junior high boys team saw Blake Soenneker run a 14:10.03, Cris Rothfork 14:41.53, Brendan Potter 14:53.94, Jimmy Hines 16:11.57 and Adrian Johnson 18:04.3.

Up Next

Becker’s Granite Ridge Conference Championship will be run Tuesday at home on Pebble Creek Golf Course.