by Scott Watson
The Clear Lake girls cross country team participated in the Pine Lake Run, hosted by South Hardin on Thursday, Aug. 31, taking second place out of 10 teams.
“We didn’t have the full varsity squad this week and ended up taking second by just one point to Hudson (ranked #10 in 2A). This was the first time we have been to South Hardin and it proved to be a challenging course with lots of elevation changes,” said Head Coach Tyler Havens.
With 10 teams competing, Hudson was the top finisher with 68 points, while Clear Lake was just shy of that mark with 69 points. Taking third place was Jesup with 72 points, followed by Grundy Center at 118, Nevada at 126, Dike-New Hartford took sixth with 133 points, BCLUW with 136, Aplington-Parkersburg scored 212 points, West Marshall came in eighth with 249, and North Tama scored 277.
“Addie and Rebekah continued to have great races with both placing in the top 10. Saylor also did a great job navigating the tough course and beating out Hudson’s number three runner. Reese and Lauren did a good job working together and making it a close team race,” said Coach Havens.
The Lions put two in the top 10, with Addison Doughan placing third with a time of 20:42 and Rebekah Steinbron coming in 10th at the 22:47 mark. Saylor Schmitt was close behind with a time of 23:15, good for 13th place.
Reese Brownlee came in 20th with a time of 23:55. Coming in 23rd was Lauren Englin with a time of 24:06, followed by Jezzie Thompson at 24:38 in 25th place. Alexis Hauge placed 28th with a time of 24:50.
Also competing for the Lions was: Brooklyn Heesch, 40th, 25:33; Alana Evelsizer, 43rd, 25:43; Alex Theiss, 63rd, 27:21; and Madison Leisure and Allie Olthoff placed 72nd and 73rd with times of 28:19 and 28:28.
“The girls that competed really did a great job accepting the challenge this course had to offer and not allowing it to affect their ability to perform,” concluded Coach Havens.
