OTTUMWA – So how did Montezuma’s cross country runners perform at the Class 1A State Qualifier meet?
It was hard for the runners themselves to tell, although certainly, there was no lack of effort.
Montezuma runners arrived on the scene to find that 325 meters, were added to the Wildwood Park course since the last time Montezuma’s runners ran on it earlier this fall.
The bottom line: No Montezuma harriers qualified for the state meet – but -Montezuma Coach Kevin Gartman wasn’t pointing to the extra distance as the reason for that.
“(325 meters, especially at the end of three miles, is a pretty significant chunk when you’re comparing time to times,” Gartman said. “Congrats to those who found ways to cut time anyway, and for those upset with times, maybe knowing this helps you to feel a little better.”
“This proves context as to h ow you may have fared,” said the coach.
“Thank all of you who came out tonight and all season. . .I’m very proud of this group.”
Sophia Semprini was the first Bravette into the finish chute for the girls, while Dayton Reif took that honor for the boys.
Class 1A XC State Qualifier
at Wildwood Park, Ottumwa
Boys 5K
Team scores: 1, Louisa-Muscatine 55. 11, Montezuma 272. (Out of 15 scoring teams).
Braves runners: 39, Dayton Reif, 20:16; 44, Cade Lowry, 20:25; 50, Linkyn Bru, 20:57; 55, Luke Benson, 21:19; Caio Araujo, 25:34.
Girls 5K
MHS did not have enough runners to post a team score.
Bravettes: 43, Sophia Semprini, 24:51; 47, Alexa Rose, 25:26; 49, Claire Erselius, 25:49; 51, Haileah Eichenberger, 26:21.