The Becker Bulldog boys and girls cross country teams competed in the Section 8AA Championship  at Little Falls Thursday. 

 

There are only two classes for cross country and Becker is in the larger school class.  

 

“The competition was top notch and the weather was great,” said Head Coach trish Reimer-Kealy. 

 

Alli Hendrickson placed eighth and Lexi Dehmer was 13th, allowing both girls to advance to the state meet next Saturday at St. Olaf in Northfield.

 

The girls team placed well, coming in fourth overall behind Willmar (ranked second in state), Brainerd and Monticello.  

 

“We like the Little Falls course and were  fortunate to have been able to run here two other times this season,” said Reimer-Kealy. “Our girls really ran great with the top five each getting personal records.”

 

The day was highlighted by Hendrickson and Dehmer in which Alli ran 19:00.59 for a PR.  

 

“I know she really wanted to get under 19:00, but I think she will take this,” said her head coach.  

 

“Lexi continues to get stronger everyday and she looked a lot stronger  and more confident today.”

 

Dehmer has missed significant time from competition due to an illness.

 

Dehmer’s time of 19:20.54 was a personal record for her.   

 

Victoria Kolbinger gave a great effort with a PR time of 19:47.52 for 21st place. 

 

“She missed out on a trip to state by four places and I can't say enough about the tremendous season she has had.”  

 

Seventh graders Adeline Kent and Grace Smith were Becker’s next two top finishers. They each PR’d with Adeline in 49th running a time of 20:58.73 (her first time under 21:00).   Smith was 57th in 21:14.94 for a 40 second PR.  

 

Madison McDonald (58th - 21;18.41) and Gabrielle Imm (61st -21:19.46) both ran very strong races and, though they did not PR, they each ran their best time on this course this year.

 

 

The team improved their showing from last year when they placed ninth in the section meet.   

 

The Becker boys team equaled their team placing from last year, again placing 12th in the field.  

 

Becker had  five boys get PR’s at this meet.   

 

Luke Pappenfus was again the boys team top runner.  

 

“He really challenges himself every race and has been learning a lot,” said Reimer-Kealy.  

 

Pappenfus came in 37th with a PR time of 17:23.32.  

 

Basil Ricker continues to improve his performance each race, placing 44th in 17:34.58  — which was a PR for him. Jonathan Novak ran well, placing 66th in a time of 18:07.30.  

 

Coming in 97th was David Myres, with a time of 19:10.83.  Jake Nelson was Becker’s fifth  best runner, coming in 103rd in his very first varsity race (PR  time of 19:32.76). Bennett Edling placed 104th in a PR 19:33.98. Evan Schafer also achieved a PR time 19:37.62 for 106th.  

 

“We are so proud of the efforts of these boys this year,” said Reimer-Kealy.  “We lost quite a group of seniors last year and for the guys to stay competitive  after that is great. They have a great attitude and we are excited for next year.”

 

Hendrickson and Dehmer will compete Nov. 5 at St. Olaf College in Northfield.