Area cross country runners compete at State Meet

(Above) Justin Wright competed for Clear Lake at the State Cross Country Meet.  Wright placed 67th.  -Photo courtesy of Kristi Nixon, Mid-America Publishing

By Michelle Watson

Three area athletes competed in the State Cross Country Meet held on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Fort Dodge.

Justin Wright represented Clear Lake. Wright capped off a successful season by placing 67th with a time of 17:20.  Wright also competed in the State meet last season and improved his time by :50 this season.

“Justin consistently finished in the top three the entire season.  His dedication to the sport is remarkable,” said Coach Nick DiMarco.  “He ran over 400 miles last season and he already has his sights set on next season.”

Garner-Hayfield-Ventura was represented by Abby Christians and Jake Hejlik.

Christians was just one spot short of the podium in the girl’s race, finishing in 16th place with a time of 19:45.5  This time was :15 faster than her State time last year.

“I felt Abby looked the strongest she’s looked all year,” said Coach Kaitlyn Aberson.  “We worked on getting out and getting aggressive  early, which she definitely did.  This allowed her to hang with the best of them and take a significant chunk off of her time.”

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Hejlik finished in 63rd place with a time of 17:48.9.

“This was Jake’s third time qualifying for this meet and his experience at this course showed as he ran a solid and smooth race,” said Coach Ryan Hinders.  “We are proud of his performance and his representation of GHV at the State meet.”

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