CL girls finish fourth at Belmond Invitational

The Clear Lake Cross Country team finished fourth overall in a 12-team field at the Belmond Cross Country Invitational held Tuesday, Sept. 5.  The Lions placed three runners in the top 12.

Leading the Lion’s charge was Gretchen Jones, who placed fifth in 20:22.

“Gretchen came into the race in a great state of mind and executed her race strategy perfectly,” said Coach Nick DiMarco.

Alena Gabrielson finished eighth in a time of 20:40.  “Alena is already in mid-season form, which bodes well for her upcoming races,” added the coach.

Bailey Larson placed 12th in a time of 21:01.  “Turning the corner towards the finish Bailey was in 16th place, but showed real grit by picking off four runners at the finish line,” said DiMarco.

Other Lion runners included:  Riley Cooney, 35th (23:02); Mallory Leisure, 38th (23:56); Jillian Enk, 42nd (24:11); and Tali Tesar, 49th (25:20).

“This was the best race of the year.  These ladies are on the cusp of good things if two or three runners can start to compete up with Alena and Bailey,” said the coach.

Junior varsity girls

Jessica Theobald led the Clear Lake junior varsity girls to a second place finish.  Theobald ran a great race, finishing eighth in a time of 24:51.

“Jessica has a dynamite work ethic that has helped her times improve all season,” said Coach DiMarco.

Joining Theobald with top 15 placements were: Delanie Markwardt, 12th (25:40); Nikki Tesar, 13th (25:48); Kara Reineke, 14th (25:48); Jordan Barragy, 15th (26:12); Ali Lincicum, 21st (27:05); Sharrell Lee, 25th (27:20); Taylor Krull, 26th (27:20); Riley Schuchard, 28th (28:09); Gretchen Guetzlaff, 30th (28:31); and Ana Starbeck, 31st (28:33).

Thursday, Sept. 14, Clear Lake will host their one and only home meet of the season at Baptist Camp with a  4:15 start.  Come and cheer the Lions on at their home course.