The Becker girls cross country team ran in mid-afternoon at St Olaf College last Saturday. It was the final race of the day — and of the year — as the Class AAA runners ran in the morning, the Class A runners ran at noon.

The weather got gradually warmer throughout the day and was around 70 degrees when the Bulldog girls ran.  

“That was a bit warmer than we had hoped for but everyone runs in the same weather,” said Head Coach Trish Kealy.

This was the first year of the Cross Country State Meet having three classes. It was the first change since 1975 when they moved to two classes of running.  Becker ran  in the middle class this year in which they formerly were in the large class (Class AA) previously from 2005 on.  Before that, they were in the small school class. (Class A).

The Bulldog girls ran well and placed sixth as a team. Team scores were: St. Paul Highland Park 61, Willmar 78, Alexandria 79, Marshall 114, Monticello 160, Becker 189, Delano 232, Mankato East 237, Mound Westonka 256, Hibbing 262, North Shore, 268, Mahtomedi 275, Two Rivers 290, Faribault 325, Plainville Elgin Millville 336 and St Anthony Village 430.

Becker was ranked eighth in the final Coaches’ Poll of the year. 

“We were looking to go for sixth place and so we were pretty pleased with our result,” said Kealy. “The top few teams were pretty much set to end up in the top with a possible shuffle of a position or two.”

Kealy’s girls ran well, with a very nice race being run by ninth grader Ella McDonald, who pushed herself to stay up to be in contention for all state honors.  She was very close — finishing in 29th (all state honors go to the first 25 runners)  — and her time was 19:55.20. 

“Ella has really come along these last few meets of the season,” said her head coach.  

Close behind McDonald was Becker’s next two runners, Lexi Rose and Olivia Babler (both 10th graders). They finished in 34th and 35th and were very close to breaking the 20 minute mark!  Rose ran 20:01.02 and Babler 20:02.10 for personal best times on the state meet courses. 

“These two really challenged themselves and finished strong,” said Kealy.

Brooklyn Karel came in as Becker’s fourth runner, coming in with a time of 21:26.22. 

“She found herself in the unusual position of not having her teammates right by her, which can happen in such a large race,” Kealy said. “She handled it well and placed 89th out of 160 runners.”

Becker’s final three runners pushed one another and encouraged each other throughout the race. Junior Bella Duncombe was Becker’s final scoring runner (#5) and placed 126th with a time of 22:08.60. Alea Briggs (10th grade) was 127th in 22;10.07. Tasha Berthiaume (10th grade) battled a knee issue but was still close, placing 87th  with a time of 22:13.65.

Becker’s alternate runners were Kayla Gruenes and Katelyn Brower and they were waiting in the wings before the race started in case they were needed. 

“Our girls really were excited to make it to the state meet,” said Kealy. “It is such a special and unique experience. Their progress through the season has been so encouraging. This experience at this level will help them next year. With such a young team we are hoping to have another positive season next fall.”

Kealy also mentioned how it was so fun to have many parents and other Becker people at the meet. 

“Thank you for all the support,” she said.