Monday, the Becker Girls Cross Country team ran at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the U of M. This was the largest cross country meet in the country with three college races and two divisions of HS races.  While competing in very hot and humid conditions the girls came out victorious- winning the championship in the HS girls Maroon Division.  

 

There were 48 teams from five different states and 408 runners in our division.  Becker won with a score of 108 points to 2nd place team from South St Paul with 220 points.

The girls Maroon race was adjusted to a 3200 meter race from a 5K due to the extreme weather conditions dealing with heat and humidity.  This was a smart move on the part of the meet directors as several athletes throughout the day had to be given medical assistance.

 

Leading Becker in the race was Victoria Kolbinger in 10th place (12:27), followed by Lexi Dehmer in 16th (12:38, Adeline Kent in 24th (12:51), Alli Hendrickson 27th (12:54) and Dani Nuest 31st (12:59).  

The top scoring  runners packed well at this meet and had a 32 second spread from 1st to 5th.  

 

Coach Kealy states,”The really encouraging thing about this team is the fact that if one of them happens to struggle on a given day the others step up and fill any void that might occur.  They are a solid unit and really working as one.”

 

Becker was able to run 10 runners in this race and after the scoring runners was Megan Gregory (179th in 14:28), Jaden Kraus (195th in 14:42),Kaylyn Wiehle (298th in 15:20), Alli Garding (26th in 15:40), Olivia Mateyka (378 in 17:06).  

 

Coach Kealy states,“This was the first time running a varsity race for Kaylyn and Olivia and quite an introduction with so many competitors involved.  All the girls did great and we could not be happier for them. It was so fun to see them on the stage receiving their huge trophy and each received commemorative Griak socks as team champs.”

 

Thursday, at Fergus Falls the Becker Girls CC team brought home 1st place out of 18 teams with a score of 61.  

 

It was a beautiful day weather wise but the course was hilly and a bit challenging. Coach Kealy felt it was good to be able to run this course, as this is the course will be ran for their section meet.

 

Out of 125 runners, Alli Hendrickson was Becker's 1st runner, placing 5th (19:41.0) followed by Lexi Dehmer in 7th (19:54.6 PR) and Victoria Kolbinger in 11th (20:00.1).   

 

Danielle Nuest came in 16th  (20:21.7) and Adeline Kent in 22nd (20:31.9) to finish off the scoring runners.  

 

Finishing next on varsity was Abby Nelson with a PR time of 22:21.0 for 71st and Megan Gregory also running a PR time of 22:22.6 for 73rd.

 

"The girls continue to run as a team and each one showing heart in each race," states Coach Kealy.

 

The JV girls placed 6th as a team and were led by Jaden Kraus, setting the pace with a PR time of 23:07.0 for 18th place. 

 

Kaylyn Wiehle placed 26th (23:45.7 season best), Alli Garding 32nd (24:20.8 season best), Tate Spinner 36th (24:56.6), Karly Kowalsky in 42nd 25:08.9, Olivia Mateyka 54th (26:35.1), Callie Doucette 56th (26:47.2).

 

"We hope you come out to support our team on Tues., Oct 3 for our Home Invitational starting at 4," states Coach Kealy.