WHO’S IN FIRST NOW? — The Panthers’ Adam Anderson, left, jokes with teammate T.J. Schiltz, right, near the start of the USC Invitational at Oak View Golf Course near Freeborn last week. Schiltz, who has lost only twice this season, won the race. Anderson finished 15th. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By DALE KUGATH
Sportswriter
FREEBORN – A hilly course is not something cross country runners look forward to.
The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva cross country teams competed on the hilly course of Oakview Golf Club near Freeborn in their final preparation before the conference meet.
The Panther boys and girls both finished fifth among six complete teams.
Coach Mike Weber’s boys have an overall mark of 27-54 this fall, while the girls are 7-36.
BoysT.J. Schiltz was not bothered by the hills, but the rest of his teammates had a tougher time.
LaCrescent defeated United South Central 40-49 to capture the team championship.
NRHEG finished fifth with 99 points, 14 points behind fourth place Blooming Prairie.
“We knew our times would be higher because of the hills which take their toll,” said Weber. “T.J. ran a good race and kept his bump in time to a minimum.”
Schiltz has lost just twice all fall, both to Waseca’s Shane Streich.
Adam Anderson and Raece Johnson managed to break 20-minutes on the course. Anderson placed 15th in 19:05, and Johnson finished 20th in 19:27.
“Adam ran a good final mile and picked up some needed places for the team,” said Weber. “Raece was a solid third for us.”
Josh Fleming covered the course in 20:11 as the fourth NRHEG runner, capturing the 28th position.
C.J. Schiltz was the final Panther runner to count in the scoring. His 21:24 earned him the 40th spot in the race.
Zach Mely, Aaron Seath and Kellen Ferber also ran with the varsity crew. Mely placed 43rd in 21:49, Seath finished 49th in 22:29 and Ferber was 50th in 22:33.
Girls
USC gained some revenge in the girls’ race, defeating LaCrescent 37 to 39 to win the championship.
The Panthers finished fifth with 125 points, nine points behind fourth place Blooming Prairie.
Sandra Quezada topped the NRHEG girls, placing 15th in 18:53.
“Sandra did not let the hilly course intimidate her,” said Weber.
Katharine Lewer was the second Panther to cross the finish line. She ran a 19:13 to grab the 20th position.
Missy Malakowsky was the third NRHEG runner to crack 20 minutes. Her 19:59 earned her 25th overall.
Kristy Possin and Marissa Mortenson were the final two Panther runners. Possin placed 44th in 22:10, while Mortenson finished 46th in 22:54.
“Hills make it difficult for many of the runners,” said Weber. “This was a good way to end our regular season.”
The Gopher/Valley Conference Meet was held at Mankato Loyola Tuesday.
The Panthers will now gear up for the Section 2A Meet at Montgomery Oct. 24.
USC Invite at Freeborn
Team scores (Boys): 1)-=La Crescent 40, 2)-USC 49, 3)-WEM/JWP 81, 4)-Blooming Prairie 85, 5)-NRHEG 99, 6)-Sibley East 139, 7)-Medford incp.
(Girls): 1)-USC 37, 2)-La Crescent 39, 3)-WEM/JWP 65, 4)-Blooming Prairie 116, 5)-NRHEG 125, 6)-Sibley East 131, 7)-Medford incp.
NEXT: Oct. 24 – Sect. 2A at Montgomery, 4 p.m.