The Hampton-Dumont-CAL, IFA/AGWSR and BK-CGD cross country teams competed at the Class 3A state qualifying meet on Wednesday at Wartburg.
The meet was highlighted by two state qualifying teammates in IFA/AGWSR’s Demi Beaubien in 9th in 19:45 and Piper Smith in 12th in 19:56.
Demi Beaubien on the support of teammates like Piper on the course and pushing through to finish strong.
“It’s my first time going to state, just want to see how I do and give me something to base off for next year on how to improve,” says Beaubien. “It definitely helps me knowing that Piper’s behind me, cheering me on and we’re cheering each other on. She really gives me someone to push myself with in practice as well as a lot of the other girls. I know that if I didn’t give it all now then it’s going to be way more painful later than it is just in this last mile, that really kept me going.”
Piper Smith on keeping pace and energy and learning in first cross country season.
“I learned over the course of the season how to pace myself and how to trust what I can do and it definitely paid off,” says Smith. “I knew when I was coming around the last mile I had some people ahead of me that I needed to pass and I just kept that in mind, as I kept going and going I kept passing them. I remembered I had to keep the energy for the end. It was great, it was my first year in cross country, so I got to meet a lot of new people and just learned a new sport. It was one of the best decisions of my life.”
Both times were personal records, and both will compete at the state meet for the first time.
The IFA/AGWSR boys were led by a 48th place finish by Sam Kirchoff in 18:17.
The Hampton-Dumont-CAL girls were led by a 45th place finish by MacKenzy Valley in 21:29. Conner Miller was the top boys finisher for the Bulldogs, placing 64th in 19:08.
BK-CGD’s Christopher Greenfield led the team with a 35th place finish in 17:35. Avery Boeshart led the BK-CGD girls by placing 28th in 22:12.
The Class 3A state girls race will be Friday, November 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge.
IFA/AGWSR Head Coach Michael Rottink
Hampton-Dumont-CAL Head Coach Traci Moorehead
