The Dike, IA 2A State Qualifier further illustrated how high school cross country continues to advance to another level. Today’s high school girls are finding the sport of XC as a way to excel, gain individual and team recognition, and run at the college level. The state qualifier on Thursday was a direct reflection of the way high school girl’s XC is trending today!
We reviewed times for the teams and individuals assigned to the state qualifier. To be a top 15 finisher you needed to run with that group of runners at the mile mark. The lead pack of runners had 11 of the 30 individuals ranked in 2A and would be one of the fastest 2A state qualifiers in the state. The top 15 finishers didn’t disappoint the rankings or fans with the Osage runner crossing the finish line in 18:39 and 15th finisher crossing the line in 20:30, 6th through 15th had a time spread of 39 seconds and the Top of Iowa conference placing 3 runners in the top 15 at 1, 8 and 14th place. The Lady Eagles knew walking to the start line they would have the opportunity to run against a great field and see many of the leading runners in class 2A. At the end of the day Denver placed 5, Jesup 2, and Dike 2 finishers in the top 15.
This was the second XC state qualifier for Madi and first for Lesley, and I had a strong feeling nerves, wind, and cold temperatures would play a big part in times at the end of the day. I reminded the girls that times are not a reflection of your improvements this season and I am very proud of the development each of them has made this season! Don’t let the state qualifier be a judge of your improvement but use it as motivation for the 2022 season. From an improvement standpoint Lesley has transitioned from a runner that wondered about the sport to a runner that can now cross the line in the 27s. Madi has made huge strides since 2020 with the ability to consistently turn in times in the 22s. With continual modification in form, training, etc. both of these girls can help the Lady Eagles XC program make a stronger statement in 2022. All that being said, I expect Madi and Lesley to enter the 2022 season with a 5k benchmarks of 27- and 22-minutes standards and great individual performances in 2022.
At the end of the day, XC provides so many rewarding opportunities for runners! The opportunity to set personal goals, develop internal strength and confidence, and build unity inside and outside of the XC! Madi and Lesley's development is a true reflection of how these goals can be achieved, going from 2 runners not knowing each other to two runners with strong unity and friendship. These 2 ladies can tell you how XC positively impacted them as individuals and in the end that is what XC is all about, building the XC family! Great job ladies, stay proud, stay strong, and stay determined!!!
