The Big Lake cross-country team traveled to Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker for the Section 5AA Championship last Thursday afternoon.  

“This is the first year of the new three-class system for cross-country, so the sections were all realigned, and we are competing against a different set of teams,” said Big Lake Coach Todd Trutna.  “Overall, it makes for more competitive races when we get to run against more schools that are our size.  The rainy conditions were not what we would have picked if given a choice, but we were prepared to run in any conditions.  Our runners did an outstanding job.”

Girls CC

The girls’ team ended their season placing 10th as a team.  Emilee Doperalski, as she has all season, led the team with a 37th place finish.  

“We ran on this same course just a few weeks ago, and the improvement that we saw in our runners over that time was impressive, especially given the rainy, soft course conditions,”   said Trutna.

Erin Kjellberg finished in 44th place and improved by nearly two minutes. Campbell Slattery was 47th and improved by one minute.  Senior Grace Heider was next over the line in 52nd, and ran her fastest time of the year.  Senior Samantha Burton was almost three minutes faster than her previous race on the course to finish 55th.  

Jax Ages was 67th and Senior Samantha Potter was nearly a minute faster in 78th place.  

“Our seniors ran with such heart, and our underclassmen responded to the challenge as well,” said Big Lake’s coach.  “It is so great to see the improvement from this team.   Four of the seven varsity girls are ninth or 10th graders, so the coaches are optimistic about the team’s chances in the future.”  

Boys CC

The boys’ team continued its winning ways and won the section team title, qualifying for the Minnesota State Cross-Country Championships next Saturday at St. Olaf College.  

“We have had over a dozen boys qualify for the state meet individually, but this is the first boys’ team we have qualified through to the state meet,” said Trutna.  “Making it to the state meet is a great accomplishment.  This crew is not content with just making it to state, and they are set on bringing some hardware home next weekend.”   

Senior Christian Noble led the Hornets with his second place finish.  Kade Layton was third overall and was quickly followed by Owen Layton in fourth.  

“Last year Kade, Owen, and Christian all qualified for the state meet, but the state meet was not held due to COVID,” said Trutna.  

Jack Leuer ran his best race of the season to finish in fifth place.  Tanon Jacobson was the next Hornet across the line in 18th place, followed closely by David Guyse in 21st.  Spencer Vold finished in 34th place to round out the Big Lake squad.  

“These young men continue to be so impressive,” Trutna said.  “This team continues to show discipline and poise. It is truly a pleasure to coach them. They have worked so hard to get to this point and all the coaches are so proud of all our runners.”  

The boys’ team will run Sat., Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Olaf College in Northfield.