IOWA CITY
Highland wrapped up its cross-country season with some strong performances at a 1A state qualifying meet in Iowa City on Oct. 19.
Ending her sophomore season on a high note, …
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IOWA CITY
Highland wrapped up its cross-country season with some strong performances at a 1A state qualifying meet in Iowa City on Oct. 19.
Ending her sophomore season on a high note, Siena Stanerson led Highland at this meet by placing 11th in a field of 68.
“Siena has always had the mentality and discipline that it takes to be a great cross country runner so it's no surprise to me to see her have success at the end of the season,” Highland coach Angela Strobel said.
In her second year running for Highland, Stanerson has time and time again led the Huskies with a top performance and her setting a new PR time of 22:08 to finish just outside the top ten at the state qualifiers is a great example of the type of competitor she is.
“Over the course of her freshman and sophomore seasons she's really learned how to push through the discomfort required to run a great time,” Strobel said about Stanerson. “She has high expectations for herself and she's always working toward big goals. I'm proud to know such an amazing person and athlete.”
Also setting a new PR in Iowa City was senior Halle Hazelett. Hazelett completed the course in 26:17 to place 48.
On the boys side Highland had a full team of six compete in the state qualifier meet. They ended the day with a score of 332 to place 13th in the team standings.
The top performance came from sophomore Brock Thomann. Thomann capped off his season by crossing the finish line in 20:35 to place 53rd.
Jacob Schneider and Jackson Schneider were the next Huskies to cross the finish line. Jacob, a freshman, placed 79th in 23:02 and Jackson, a senior, ended his final high school cross country meet by placing 81st in 23:08.
An additional Highland runner to set a PR was sophomore Chase Hickenbottom. Hickenbottom ended the race with a time of 23:16 to place 84th.
“The boys have steadily improved all season. All of them have been really focused on running personal bests each race. I've enjoyed watching them improve as the season has progressed,” Strobel said.
“For example, some kids who were new to cross-country started the season in the 35 minute range and ended in the 26 minute range. That's a huge improvement and something I definitely celebrated! I hope all the runners feel proud of the personal goals they accomplished this season. I sure am.”
The top two teams and the top ten runners earned the right to compete in the Iowa State High School Cross-Country championships being held in Fort Dodge on Oct. 27.
With no Huskies placing in the top ten this meet marks the end of their season.
This year saw tremendous growth from Highland’s young group of runners and the Huskies, utilizing the experience they earned, are sure to enter the next year with loftier goals and expectations.
“We had decent numbers this season, but I'd love to keep increasing the number of kids who give cross country a try. I'd love to see a huge pack of Highland Huskies out next year,” Strobel said. “I know running doesn't seem fun on the surface, but you can't beat the sense of accomplishment you feel or the sense of camaraderie you build by suffering together.”
Girls Results
Boys Results
