The Becker boys cross country team, The Harriers, did well at the Rockford Rocket Run in Corcoran last week, with the varsity team finishing fourth behind Minnehaha Academy, Northwest Homeschool Co-Op and Delano, and the JV team placing 3rd.

“The student-athletes responded well to cues around the course and we are continuing to positive gains as we train through the season,” said Coach Dustin Weege. “A few guys struggled with the heat, the course, some illnesses, but we’re using this meet as a learning opportunity and continuing to grow. We still have work to do, but I like the way we’re going.”

A number of Harriers made progress at the meet, medaling and making season-best times.

“Lukas Karel managed to move up and into a medaling position this year with his season best time,” said Weege. “He had finished 11th last year at Rockford, so it was nice to see him accomplish that.

“Cade Stommes also made some nice progress as he earned a season-best time and battled closely with a group of section racers around him,” said Weege. “Freshman Isaac Bauer was also nearly Cade as he has continued to make his mark within the varsity squad.”

The Becker Varsity runners were Lukas Karel (10th), Tyson Ricker (17th), Ethan Tobako (17th), Cade Stommes (36th), Isaac Bauer (41st), Jake Nelson (50th), and Aaron Gregory (60th).

The boys JV race also saw nice performances from the Bulldog Harriers, as Wyatt Hiltner, who placed 7th, improved his season best by 45 seconds as he had adjusted his racing form and attacked the course. 

After Hiltner, a group of Bulldogs challenged each other to try to get in the top 20. Nathan Zimmerman, David Myres and Keegan Murphy accomplished it, with Bruce Kraemer just behind.

“Caleb Reckelberg has been working hard this season and his progress is showing as he’s advancing along with Luke McDonald,” said Weege.

The Jr. High team also raced well, seeing four racers finish in the top 25. 

“It’s interesting to compare Hank Bjerga’s time to that of last season as he completed the race 8 minutes and 45 seconds faster this year,” said Weege. “Hank has definitely made gains and we’re hopeful for more and more.”

The Bulldogs were scheduled to head to St. Francis this Thursday, but the meet was postponed to Friday due to the weather conditions.

The girls cross country team’s Thursday meet at home against Chisago Lakes was also postponed to Friday. Both meets will be covered in next week’s Citizen-Tribune.