The Big Lake boys finished eighth at the State Class AA cross-country championships last Saturday at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights. It was the fourth straight year the Hornets competed in the state meet.

Jack Leuer finished out his high school cross country career by finishing fifth overall in 15:50.

“Jack had been battling illness all week, but ran an incredible race,” said Coach Todd Trutna.  “He put himself in the lead pack and was right there with 1000 meters to go. This was Jack’s fourth state cross-country meet and the fourth time he earned All-State Honors.”  

The “Big Lake Trio” which powered the team all year was next across the line and all three improved their times from a year ago. Ninth-grader Judd Layton was the first of the three through the chute in 59th place (16:47), a 40 second improvement from last year’s state meet.  

Junior Trent Erickson was next in 80th place (17:02) a 24 second improvement from a year ago, and then came junior Gavin Flavin 88th (17:07), 26 seconds quicker.  

“These three showed great growth this year as their time improvements show,” said Coach Trutna.  “I know they still would  have liked to have been quicker. These three have high expectations for themselves, which should drive them for the return trip next year.”      

Tenth grader Theo Johnson made his state meet debut with a 135th place finish (17:57).  Last year he was running in the mid to upper 18s and this year he broke into the mid 17s.    Senior Gavin Vold finished 141st (17:57) 18 seconds faster than last year.  

“Gavin dealt with kidney stones and a trip to the ER at the start of the week, so we were fortunate to have him out there,” said Coach Trutna.

Ninth grader Eli Henning ran in his first state meet and finished 151st (18:42).

“The state meet can be a bit overwhelming the first go around and Eli gained valuable experience that will serve him well when the team returns next year,” said Coach Trutna.

Ninth grader Max Baron  and 10th grader Jack Schmidt were the alternates.  

“Both of these guys ran with the varsity in several races this year and will be critical returnees for another run to the state meet,” said Coach Trutna.

“The team has been incredibly consistent over these past several years and have made a habit out of going to the state meet.  Looking at the talent that remains after graduation, I don’t see why that streak should end this year.”