READY - Panther runners competing in Waseca pictured above: Lexi McGannon, Annabelle Petsinger, and Torri Vaale.
Photos by Chris Schlaak
In their second to last regular season meet in Waseca on Oct. 7, the NRHEG Cross country teams were unable to compete at full strength. The boys finished last and the girls, without their top runner, were unable to field a full team.
Jordan won the meet with 41 points, followed by: Faribault, 59; WEM/JWP, 69; TCU, 90, Waseca, 105; NRHEG, 145.
The boys were led by 8th grader Devon Nelton, who ran his personal best time. After missing several weeks due to illness, Jacob Karl returned to form, finishing second among Panther runners.
“The boys team also had a good night, led by 8th grader Devon Nelton,” NRHEG coach Miles Otstot remarked. “It was nice to have Jacob back running at full strength.”
Individually for the Panther boys: Devon Nelton; 19:24, 20th place; Jacob Karl; 19:31, 22nd place; Conner Nelson; 20:24, 32nd place; Sam Christensen; 20:37. 34th place; Gavin Sletten; 20:53, 37th place; Eric Arvis; 21:08, 38th place.
Otstot had additional praise for the resilience among panther runners. “Conner Nelson came in third on the team following an outstanding final kick. Sam Christensen battled through a sore ankle and ran his second fastest time ever, finishing only a couple of seconds off his best time. Gavin Sletten was our final scorer of the night and also had a strong sprint to finish.”
For the lady Panthers, it was an unfortunate night.
“Our girls were missing a few runners and were unable to field a full team, but had strong performances from those who ran,” Coach Otstot said. “Torri Vaale ran her fastest race ever and just missed a medal finishing in 11th place.”
Petsinger also ran her fastest race of the year. Lexi McGannon was the only other Panther runner competing on the day.
Individually for the Panther girls: Torri Vaale; 21:50, 11th place; Annabelle Petsinger; 25:28, 24th place; Lexi McGannon; 29:23; 43rd place.
The NRHEG cross country team wrapped up their regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 12 in Freeborn. Up next the Panthers compete in a conference meet in New Richland, Oct. 19. The section tournament is in Blue Earth, Oct. 28.