The MHS cross country teams got a competitive taste of their home course before the upcoming Valley Meet, and they were rewarded with some fine finishes.
They boys won Saturday’s five-team event, and the girls ranked second under beautiful conditions. The meet offered sunny to partly cloudy skies, comfortable temps in the high 60’s and relatively dry footing despite a 9:00 start time at the end of September.
“Our goal for the boys is to go out strong, hold on to their placing, and keep each other in their sights,” commented MHS coach Craig Hoffman. “This has proved successful for a number of our runners, and we keep this theory going as long as it works. I know the boys are still holding back in the middle of the race, thinking they’ll keep their strength in reserve for their final push to the end, but I’m working with them to leave more of their efforts somewhere at the 3200 meter mark and push their final 1600 with momentum gained throughout the race.
“Our home meet didn’t provide spectacular times, but it did give evidence that the boys are not hurting, and they should be healthy for the remainder of the season. There were only some 40 seconds between the first runner to finish through the fifth runner, so I’m pleased that they’re sticking together. Now, we just need to drop their times to stay in the competition.”
The boys pulled out the win with a pack placing 5-9, led by Reese Beyersdorf (18:22), Ethan Schneider (18:23), Brett Swan (18:47), Jacob Jensen (18:54) and Andrew Koch (19:05). Inflating foes scores were Brady Schmelling (14th, 19:23) and Treven Oberg (20th, 20:11), and Nathan Koch (20:15) and Preston Collins (21:47) competed.
Losha Heisinger won the boys JV event in 19:51.
The girls were paced by Bailey Mogenson (5th, 18:19), Shelby Harris (6th, 18:22), Christa Schleif (7th, 18:28, Morgan Pettit (12th, 18:56) and Ashley Berton (13th, 19:11.7). Lauren Case (14th, 19:18) and Mickenna Comstock (19th, 21:17) also ran well.
“Freshman runner Bailey Mogenson is showing that a lot of hard work during the weekly practices has paid off handsomely and she is peaking at the right time,” Hoffman said. “Bailey finished the race showing virtually no physical stress, so we now know she can perform at better pace for the upcoming races.
“Biting at her heels, are Shelby Harris and Christa Schleif who are finally showing some competiveness as the season is at its peak. Additionally, Morgan Pettit, Ashley Berton and Lauren Case are holding their own to keep the team competitive.”
Hoffman sees the race as more than just another meet.
“We consider our home cross country meet at the MARC and at Council Grounds as the kick-off for the beginning homecoming week at Merrill High School,” he stated. “A number of alumni runners return each year to watch the current runners make their mark on a spectacular cross country meet and enjoy catching up with former teammates and coaches.
“It’s a cozy meet with regional cross country teams participating in it each year. Teams return because of the great course we’ve been able to provide with the beautiful grounds available here in Merrill.
“With that stated, our girls and boys teams came through with some nice times for most and a wake-up call for others. Looming before us is our Valley Conference meet and we want to ensure we are ready for it.”
The Valley Meet will be staged at the MARC at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 19.