Bulldogs cross country sends runner to state meet

FALL CREEK – Boyceville’s cross country team traveled to Fall Creek last Saturday to compete at the WIAA Division 3 Sectional meet.

The boys’ team ran an all around strong race as they finished fifth out of 14 teams with Tanner Johnson-Hetchler leading the way in ninth place with a time of 18:00.00.

“Our boys were fifth last year,” said Corey Day, Boyceville head coach. “Last year we had six seniors on our team, this year it was a younger team. My goal coming into this season was to finish where we were last year.”

“I thought if we could do that it would show that we made some pretty big strides and we were third in conference and fifth in the sectional, the same as we were last year. So, the boys exceeded my expectations there.”

Johnson-Hetchler became the first Bulldog to qualify for the state cross country championships since Allison Logsdon accomplished the feat and qualified in 2006. The last male competitor at state was Josh Hoff in 2005, who finished in 25th place.

“Tanner Johnson-Hetchler making it as an individual state qualifier. That is very tough with some very strong individuals in front of him. He ran a great race to be there and we are very pleased with his performance.”

Johnson-Hetchler is the only runner that will be representing the Bulldogs at the state tournament this Saturday, October 27 in Wisconsin Rapids at the Ridges Golf Course.

Ian Kane also finished in the top 30 in 21st place with a time of 18:48.01. Nick Adams was just shy of being in the top 30 as he placed 32nd with a time of 19:13.68.

Rounding out the rest of the team were Mitch Pustol in 38th (19:25.14), James Lindo in 40th (19:29.44), Tyler Wolfe in 72nd (20:56.26) and Tristan Debell in 76th (21:06.60).

First place went to Darin Lau of Immanuel Lutheran who finished with a time of 16:42.72.

The girls’ team has struggled this year to compete as a whole due to injuries, but they were able to make a full roster Saturday and finish in 13th place out of 13 teams.

“The girls finished 13th overall for them to finish there, I was pleased,” added Day. “It seems that our girls team has been plagued with injuries and sickness all year. Not a lot of luck on our girls’ side this season.”

“A great group of girls that work hard.”

Senior Alex Wold led the team in 38th place with a time of 18:39.40. She was followed by Michaella Kegen in 47th (19:02.16), Anna Jenkins in 63rd (20:04.99), Katie Kegen in 66th (20:15.16) Sammi Merkel in 80th (22:07.53) and Katelyn Merten in 88th (23.21.22).

“Alex Wold ran a really strong race,” noted coach Day.

The race was won by Breanna Colbenson of Spring Valley with a time of 15:10.96.

Johnson-Hetchler’s Division 3 race will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.