It was a night of celebration for the Becker Bulldog boys and girls cross country teams last week as they recognized the accomplishments of very successful programs.
Boys CC
The boys team moved up again this season, continuing their rise in excellence and accomplishments.
The 30 male student/athletes performed well on the courses this season and in the classrooms as the team achieved the Academic Excellence Gold Award from the MSHSCA (Minnesota State High School Coaches Association). Their GPA was 3.8038.
The team was also leaders in the Granite Ridge Conference as five members (David Myres, Lukas Karel, Jordan Gruenes, Aaron Gregory and Cade Stommes) of the Bulldogs team earned All-Conference Academic Honors.
This year’s Bulldog harrier captains of Basil Ricker, David Myres and Jake Nelson led the Bulldogs in four meets during the season, while the JV and junior high teams both won two meets and were runners up in two others along the way.
For the boys, a real point of celebration came when the team performed well at the conference and section meets. The Bulldog varsity team had their highest known conference placing in the history of the program, placing second (behind the Mora team which eventually placed third at state). The varsity team then went on to Section 8AA playoffs to have the highest placement (seventh) since becoming a Class AA school in 2005.
Team awards were presented to a number of the members of the team to recognize some of the individuals from the high quality team:
The most valuable award was presented to Basil Ricker, as he was lowest scorer on the season. Additionally, Ricker had been the top Becker finisher for 18 straight events over his years on the team.
The most dedicated team member was presented to David Myres for his great leadership and consistent drive throughout the season.
The most improved team member was presented to Kellen Hurt for his growth during the season as a racer, moving up the ranks in the team as the season progressed.
The rookie award was presented to Ethan Tobako, who moved his way from the middle of the pack to earning a varsity spot during the season and onto the section roster.
Additionally, the boys recognized a different special award that they’ve termed the “GOAT’ award (Greatest Of All Time). Basil Ricker was the voted recipient of that award for the third year in the row, however, he graciously chose to pass on the award to team member Jordan Gruenes to recognize his amazing accomplishments.
Gruenes, a 2018 state participant, was honored with the scholar athlete award for his strong achievements in academics. He was also named to the academic all-state team. Gruenes managed to PR at the section meet and— by placing eighth overall — he qualified to advance to the MSHSL state cross country meet last Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
“Advancing to the state meet in the two class system is a significant feat as less the five percent of the runners from across the state are able to get there,” said boys Head Coach Dustin Weege.
Gruenes is just the eighth individual boy in the program history to make state (third since becoming a Class AA school). Gruenes accomplished another personal record in the heavily packed race in meet with a time of 16:58.8 for the 5km race and placed 114 in the large, competitive race.
“The team is proud of his accomplishments and to have him representing the program at the race that draws the top few runners from the state,” said Weege.
Weege said he and his coaches were sad to say goodbye to the two senior athletes (Basil Ricker and Jordan Gruenes), though they look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in their futures as both hope to continue to run at the college level.
“It was a pleasure to get to reflect on the team this season as they have accomplished a lot through their hard work,” said Weege. “It is also fun to start the process of planning for the future as team members are already talking about the summer miles they all are planning to do in order to come into next season at a whole new level to compete in the Mississippi 8 Conference.”
“Thank you to all of the Becker Bulldogs cross country fans and supporters as we’ve enjoyed ‘running this town,’” said Weege. “We appreciate the friendly honks and waves that we’ve received through our training around the streets.”
Weege says he reminds his team of the Alberto Salazar quote: “We may train or peak for a certain race, but running is a lifetime sport,”
Girls CC
The girls cross country team held their annual cross country awards pot luck dinner last Thursday by handing out individual awards and letters to their letter winners.
The girls’ letter winners this year included Tate Spinner, Victoria Kolbinger, Alli Garding, Bryanna Edling, Abby Fingarson, Kaylyn Wiehle, Lexi Dehmer, Dani Nuest, Abby Nelson, Adeline Kent, Jaden Kraus, Makenna Noaeill, Tasha Berthiaume, Kayla Gruenes, Alexa Voller. Participation awards given to Callie Doucette, Olivia Mateyka, Cayla Paumen, Grace Wilhelm, Jayna Adu-Gyamfi Megan Gregory, Maddie McDonald, Maddy Schmitz, Raegan Leaders, Olivia Babler, Abi Berning, Alea Briggs, Anikah Hall and Jaci Heitkamp.
Academic awards: The team received the Gold Award for academic excellence from the MSHSCAA, the conference academic award and all conference academic (to letterwinners in grades 10-12 with GPA 3.75 or higher) Bryanna Edling, Victoria Kolbinger, Lexi Dehmer, Abby Nelson and Jaden Kraus.
The scholar athlete (cumulative GPA varsity letter winner that has completed their sophomore year) went to Victoria Kolbinger;
Most valuable runner went to Dani Nuest;
Most dedicated runner went to Victoria Kolbinger;
Most improved runner went to Grace Wilhelm;
Rookie award went to Kayla Gruenes and Tasha Berthiaume.
Seniors were acknowledged for their participation; Bryanna Edling, Abby Fingarson, Alli Garding, Victoria Kolbinger, Tate Spinner, Kaylyn Wiehle.
“We will surely miss this great group of girls who have spent many years with us,” said Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy. “Good luck for their future”.
Captains from this season were Bryanna Edling, Alli Garding, Victoria Kolbinger and Tate Spinner.
Captains voted on by team for next year are Lexi Dehmer, Callie Doucette and Megan Gregory.
The main highlight of the girls season was the team winning their fifth straight Granite Ridge Conference Championship.
“This is our last year in the Granite Ridge Conference and we really wanted to go out in style,” said Reimer-Kealy.
Next year, Becker moves back to the Mississippi 8 Conference.
“The girls (Dani Nuest, Lexi Dehmer, Victoria Kolbinger, Adeline Kent, Abby Nelson, Kayla Gruenes, Tasha Berthiaume and Jaden Kraus) prevailed over a good Zimmerman team.
Five girls earned all conference honors: Nuest, Dehmer, Kolbinger, Kent and honorable mention went to Abby Nelson.
“We need to say thank you to our parents who have been so supportive,” said the head coach. “Also thanks to Jesse O'Neill, Dave Niemi, Mark Kolbinger and the entire Becker activities dept. — Pebble Creek and the community center. Special thanks goes to Amanda Wilhelm for her amazing help!”
“So proud of this group of girls and cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next year!”
