Goessel runner wins state title
Staff writers
Goessel junior Eli Gaeddert, finished as Class 1A state champion in cross-country Saturday morning.
In 40-degree weather on a hilly course at Wamego Country Club, Gaeddert chose not to wear extra layers, gloves, or a stocking cap; just his thin school uniform.
After running shoulder to shoulder with Ness City runner Broxton Gall for 2½ miles, Gaeddert began to put some distance between himself and Gall.
Gaeddert finished the 5,000 -meter race in 16:02.80, his best time of the season and eclipsing his old school record from 2024 by 26 seconds.
Goessel freshman Madelyn Olson came in 51st out of 94 runners in the race, finishing with a time was of 23:29.59.
Marion
Senior Eli Klenda medaled in fifth place Saturday at the Class 2A portion of the meet in Wamego. He logged a personal best time of 16:54.36.
“Eli Klenda ran determined and with a little attitude,” coach Jason Hett said.“He was not going to let anything stop him, and it was fun to watch him run at his best today and compete the way he did.”
Behind Klenda by two minutes were Zayden Janzen in 53rd place and Harrison Beery in 60th place.
“Zayden competed at a very high level,” Hett said. “He got stronger this season and proved that he can lead this group moving forward.”
On the girls’ side, it was the first time since 1999 that Marion’s full girls’ team ran at the state meet.
“This group set the goal to get here and put in the work this season to make it happen,” Hett said. “It was awesome to see them line up at the starting line as a group.”
Allyson Vogel led the team with a 54th-place finish. Brooklyn Beery placed 62nd; Jessica Methvin, 78th.
“This season will go down as one I will never forget,” Hett said. “This group came to work every day, and each day they broke their wall so they could reach their goals.
“To the seniors, I can’t thank you enough for the work, commitment, dedication, and fun over the past four years.
Hillsboro
The entire Lady Trojans team ran Saturday at state. Quinlyn Funk led her team with a 14th- place finish.
Jaidyn Frantz placed 27th, and Riley Richert placed 55th.
Nora Hein finished 96th; Addy Winter, 99th; and Anna King, 106th.