The Eagles boys cross country runners headed to Iowa Falls to take on Clear Lake, Nevada, East Marshall, Newman Catholic, Humboldt, Aplington-Parkersburg, home team Iowa Falls-Alden, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, South Hardin, and Belmond-Klemme in the season opening match on Thursday evening.
The boys competed in the 5K run with the team finishing up in the middle of the field. "I thought our boys ran well tonight with it being their first meet," said coach Ben Demuth. "My goal is for a first half finish and we were 5 of 11, so I was pleased with that."
Demuth explained that his game plan for the team is to build it on pack running, which was working well in this first run. "Through the first two miles our guys did a good job," Demuth said. In terms of plans for improvement, Demuth noted, "we just need to move the pack up for the last mile and improve our times overall."
Demuth had praise for seniors Dustin Dawson, and Drake Weland. "I was pleased with Drake and his placing, and Dustin really surprised me pulling double duty with football also." Demuth also praised the top 8 performers, Sr. Drake Weland, Jr. Noah Thul, So. Zabdi Castro, Sr. Dustin Dawson, So. Dylan Beck, Fr. Felix Gonzalez, So. Zach Hogrefe, and Sr. Alex Gaspar. Saying they "ran well and showed us something tonight." The rest of the team, Demuth said, continues to improve. "I expect a few of them to push for a varsity spot before the season ends," Demuth declared.
