The Becker Bulldog Girls Cross Country team competed at the MSHSL State Meet last Saturday at St Olaf. The girls did a good job navigating the challenging course and gave it all they had, leading Becker to a fourth place finish in the overall standings
“We are so proud of how well our team has done all season and they did a great job representing Becker once again,” said Girls Head Coach Trish Kealy.
The weather was cool and damp but dried out as the race started and the girls got off to a good start. The Bulldogs were only beaten by defending champions St. Paul Highland Park, Alexandria and Marshall.
“This is such a big accomplishment for us and we are so happy to represent so well,” said Kealy. “Our goal was to make the podium by placing third or higher but I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of this group as we moved up two spots from last year’s finish.”
Seventh grader Adele Changamire led Becker with a 12th place finish and a time of 19:03.79 to earn All State Honors.
“She ran aggressively and challenged herself the entire race.” said Kealy. “She has had an amazing first year.”
Lexi Rose was Becker’s second finisher and she had an amazing final kick to pass several in the last 300 meters to place 34th in a time of 19:37.94.
“One of the gutsiest girls we have in Becker for sure,” said Kealy.
Becker’s third girl was Ella McDonald. She and Rose were close to one another for most of the race and traded off leading one another throughout. Always one to run with joy, Ella gave it all and had for a time of 19:44.07 for 45th place. The Bulldogs had Olivia Babler as their fourth finisher and she showed great determination finishing 80th in a time of 20:30.17 which bettered her time from sections.
Becker’s last scoring runner was Alea Briggs, who worked hard for a 93rd place finish in 20:52.57 showing how far she has come this year.
Kealy’s team was rounded out by her two dependable seniors, Brooklyn Karel and Bella Duncombe finishing in 106th (21:06.00) and 125th (21:46.60).
“These seniors ran with a lot of heart for the entire season and finished off their careers well at the state meet,” the coach said. “We are so grateful for their leadership along with that of alternate runner senior Kayla Gruenes.”
“It is so special to finish out one’s career and the state meet and we are so happy they were able to experience that.”
Also acting as alternates for Becker were sophomore Natalie Trenz and junior Tasha Berthiaume. There were 158 finishers in this race.
“We also had two girls earn Academic All State honors - Lexi Rose and Alea Briggs.
Locally, Monticello also placed well - sixth place, and another M-8 conference school - Chisago Lakes - placed 13th.
The team scores for the state meet were St Paul Highland Park 79, Alexandria 105, Marshall 125, Becker 157, Willmar 162, Monticello 241, Rock Ridge 242, Benilde St Margaret 243, Hibbing 246, Delano 259, Two Rivers 268, Waseca 293, Chisago Lakes 293, Faribault 302 and Mahtomedi 372.
“It has truly been a special season for our girls and we appreciate all the support we have had through it all,” said Kealy. “We are so fortunate to have the best parents and support from our school and community. We look forward to our next season and look back on this one with gratefulness.”
