By DALE KUGATH
Sportswriter
NORTHFIELD – New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva senior T.J. Schiltz completed his outstanding cross country career by competing in his third consecutive state tournament at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
After finishing second at the section meet, Schiltz was one of 175 runners at the starting line Saturday.
He completed the 5,000-meter course in 17:06.5 to finish 32nd in the race. The top 25 runners earn All-State honors.
Afterward, it was learned Schiltz was not feeling well and had a cough. He stated his arms were numb until 1/2 mile was left in the race.
Schiltz was on pace after one mile, where he clocked 4:57, three seconds behind the eventual winner.
Keagan Hurley of team champion Perham won the race in 15:36.7, 14 seconds faster than Waseca junior Shane Streich.
Streich was the only runner Schiltz had lost to this season entering the state meet.
NRHEG coach Mike Weber said Schiltz’s disappointing finish does not detract from a great cross country season and career.
“Congratulations to T.J. for his third consecutive year at the MSHSL CC State Meet in Northfield,” said Weber. “T.J. had a great season, winning eight meets over the season. He was a team captain, who worked hard to accomplish his goals. It was a great senior year of running CC for T.J.”
