The Big Lake boys varsity cross-country team won its second straight section title last Thursday and is headed to the state meet this weekend.

The Hornets won a close decision in the Section 5AA Meet at Bertram Lakes Regional Park in Monticello in one of the tightest races in a long time.

Owen Layton crossed the finish line ahead of the pack, edging Noah Mahoney of Monticello by five seconds in 15:47.2.

Kade Layton took third in 15:58.1 and Jack Leuer had his fastest time ever, placing fourth in 16:04.

Spencer Vold was Big Lake’s fourth runner, taking 11th in 17:14.2. David Guyse rounded out the top five for Big Lake, placing 21st in 17:54.1.

“Spencer’s improvement this year has been key to our team’s success,” said Coach Todd Trutna. “David (Guyse) continues to be a rock at our five spot this year.  He has been a very steady runner all year, and he is ready to have a big race at the state meet.”  

As it turned out, those fourth and fifth spot runners were instrumental in the win for Big Lake. The Hornets needed every point they could get, as Big Lake, Monticello and Becker each placed three runners in the top nine spots. The Hornets finished with 40 points. Monticello had 46 and Becker had 50.

Alton Ahamed (37th, 18:28.6) and Tanon Jacobson (41st, 18:41.1) were the sixth and seventh finishers for the Hornets.

Big Lake’s seven runners will be looking to make their mark again at the State AA meet Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. The Hornets were AA state champs last year.

“We went into last year’s state meet knowing we could finish anywhere from first to fifth,” said Coach Trutna.  “As competitive as the state meet will be, I think we’re in a similar position this year.  It will be a very exciting day.”

Monticello also qualified for the state meet this year by taking second. The Magic was runner-up to Big Lake last year at the state meet.

After the top three teams, other team scores Thursday were Foley 153, St. Cloud Tech 171, Spectrum 183, St. Cloud Apollo 207, Princeton 223, Sauk Rapids-Rice 232, St. Francis 297, Milaca 314.

The Big Lake girls also had a great performance at sections, running their best meet of the year and placing fifth of 12 teams.

Junior Emilee Doperalski placed 27th in 21:54 and sophomore Campbell Slattery was 34th in 22:42 to lead the Hornets.

“Emilee and Campbell have been pushing each other in practice to break a couple of time barriers,” said Trutna. “They both achieved those today with Emilee going under 22 minutes and Campbell under 23 minutes.”

Erin Kjellberg finished 43rd in 23:53.2. Nicole Rempel was 51st in 24:13.2. Georgia Morris placed 57th in 24:58.5. Elsie Johnson took 62nd in 25.41.2. Jadyn Rust was 64th in 25:49.2.

“The girls have had a tough year with a couple injuries to Erin and Jadyn that have really hurt our team’s scoring,” said Trutna.  “It was so great to see them come together to place this high as a team.  They were very excited to hear about that fifth place.”    

The girls have continued to improve - and get healthy, throughout the season.

“About halfway through the season, Nicole and Georgia changed into a more attacking mindset during races that carried through to their training.  Both ran their fastest career times today,” said Trutna. “Elsie has been fighting through shin splints for much of this season and has run some tough races through that discomfort.  Even with that she ran one of her best times today.”  

Final team scores were Becker 50, Monticello 55, Spectrum 70, Zimmerman 88, Big Lake 178, Princeton 181, St. Cloud Tech 188, Foley 193, Milaca 198, St. Francis, St. Cloud Apollo and Sauk Rapids-Rice did not have complete teams..