Runners represent rain or shine
Staff writers
Despite wet and muddy conditions, county runners tried to put their best feet forward Saturday at the state cross-country meet in Wamego.
Hillsboro
Quinlyn Funk led the Trojans, medaling with a seventh place finish of 21:00.80.
Riley Richert placed 20th with a time of 21:47.47.
The entire girls team ran Saturday.
Jaidyn Frantz finished with a time of 24:59.92. Nora Hein finished with a time of 27:55.43. Anna King finished with a time of 33:09.93, and Gabi Sibayan finished with a time of 36:49.56.
Marion
Luke Wessel led the Warriors, medaling with a 16th-place finish and a time of 17:55.92.
Eli Klenda was the only other runner for Marion. He finished 27th with a time of 18:12.75.
“For the past five months, we’ve been working to get to this point,” coach Jason Hett said. “Luke has been a leader for our team over the past four years, and was a joy to coach and watch grow in this sport.
“We’ll miss him next year, but his leadership for our group will have a lasting impact.”
Goessel
Two Goessel runners competed on a track that quickly became a slippery, puddle-laden obstacle course, as 101 runners travelled the same path.
Eli Gaeddert found his pace near the front of the pack, and Levi Olson settled in the middle of the competitors.
Gaeddert eventually finished fourth. Olson was 36th.
Gaeddert broke a school record with his time at the regional meet, but the weather conditions at Wamego slowed things down.
Gaeddert finished with a time of 17:23.02; Olson, with 18:55.49.
Centre
Kaitlynn Bina represented Centre as its lone runner Saturday. She finished 23rd with a time of 22:35.93.