The Fort Calhoun cross-country boys and girls didn't have far to go Oct. 11 for the Class C-2 District meet.
“Both teams had a positive attitude that they were going to have a great run on our home course, and it was exciting to see them accomplish that goal and stamp their tickets to state,” coach Kyle McMahon said.
In total, 12 Pioneers earned state bids with top-three team finishes at Fort Atkinson. Their Washington County neighbors from Arlington, meanwhile, qualified seven more — including a district champion runner — for Class C races Friday at Kearney Country Club.
“We undoubtedly had one of the tougher Class C districts, so I knew today was going to be a dog fight in order to get our teams to state,” AHS coach Michaela Curran said.
FCHS earns team berths
The FCHS boys were the C-2 District runner-ups Oct. 11, while the girls earned the final team trip to state in third.
“We had a solid run at the conference meet, but we felt we still had a lot more in us for both teams at districts and it was great to see both teams display that today,” McMahon said. “First time in school history we had all six of our boys under 18 minutes, so it was a complete team race for them today.”
Will Dennis led the Pioneer boys in seventh with a time of 17:03.5 across 5 kilometers. Travis Skelton (ninth in 17:15.5), Christ Post-Whiteowl (14th in 17:33.9) and Seth Waters (15th in 17:37.9) also earned individual medals with their showings.
“We had four medalists and were very close to having five in a very tough district of the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 teams in the state today going against each other,” McMahon said.
On the girls' side, Raeann Massey led FCHS in second place. She finished the race in 20:30.64.
“Effort is something I don't have to coach with this group at all,” McMahon said. “Raeann ran really tough and keeps improving each week. I am really excited to see her as district runner-up as a freshman. I think she is ready to have a breakout run at state.”
Maelie Nelson was next in 11th for the Pioneers, finishing her home course in 21:59.23. Harley Schwarte (20th), Emily Barta (24th), Bella McLaughlin (28th) and Brady Work (46th) filled out their team's state-qualifying lineup, too.
Work, McMahon said, has cut more than 10 minutes from her 5K time during her first season of cross-country. Next, she and the Pioneers compete in Kearney.
“I'm looking forward to seeing one more week of progress. How well can we finish the season?” their coach asked. “I feel like both teams still feel like they are ready to have their best races of the season to end it all, and that's all we can ask for.”
AHS boys, O'Daniel qualify
Six Arlington boys and an Eagle district champion claimed state spots at Fort Atkinson on Oct. 11.
“Our kids had a great attitude going into the race today with the goals being to compete and have fun,” Curran said. “Of course there are always some nerves at districts, but I thought they did a great job of enjoying the whole process together as a team.”
Hailey O'Daniel and Nolan May led their AHS squad, earning first and second, respectively.
“Both Nolan and Hailey have worked extremely hard with great focus and determination to get where they are at today,” Curran said. “Between the summer miles, the hard workouts and everything in-between, their preparation has been exceptional.”
O'Daniel claimed the girls' 5-kilometer race in 20:18.3, which was 12.34 seconds ahead of the next runner.
“Hailey has and continues to do an excellent job of pushing herself no matter if she has someone to run with or not,” Curran said. “She ran a season-best time today and will be looking for more next week.”
May, meanwhile, earned silver in 16:45.1 during the boys' race.
“Nolan has had an impeccable season,” his coach said. “He gives everything — all my kids do — and it shows.”
Following the senior to state are Kolby Tighe, Kevin Flesner, John Morrison, Trey Hill and Dallin Franzluebbers. Tighe was an individual C-2 District medalist as well, clocking in at 17:20 for 10th.
Flesner was 17th overall, while Morrison (22nd), Hill (23rd) and Franzluebbers (28th) followed.
“Being able to see these kids compete at the state meet is a God-given opportunity,” Curran said. “Only 15 teams get to experience this, and I am just grateful and proud that we are one of those teams.”
Arlington's Whitney Wollberg and Kelise Krivohlavek just missed qualifying themselves, taking 16th and 17th in the girls' race, respectively. The top-15 runners earn state spots.
Sofie Lewis (31st), Brooke Hilgenkamp (33rd) and Brynn Eckhart (34th) also competed Oct. 11 during the Eagle girls' fifth-place effort.
CLASS C-2 DISTRICT MEET
Oct. 11 at Fort Atkinson
BOYS
Team standings: Elkhorn Mount Michael 26, Fort Calhoun 45, Arlington 51, Omaha Concordia 75, Omaha Roncalli 79, Wahoo 137, Douglas County West 141, Boys Town 150, Logan View 158, West Point-Beemer 164, Yutan 186, Winnebago NA.
5K race winner: Gus Lampe, Roncalli, 16:40.1.
Arlington results: 2, Nolan May, 16:45.1. 10, Kolby Tighe, 17:20. 17, Kevin Flesner, 17:41.3. 22, John Morrison, 18:00.3. 23, Trey Hill, 18:03.4. 28, Dallin Franzluebbers, 18:21.8.
Fort Calhoun results: 7, Will Dennis, 17:03.5. 9, Travis Skelton, 17:15.5. 14, Chris Post-Whiteowl, 17:33.9. 15, Seth Waters, 17:37.9. 16, Lawson Tjardes, 17:38.2. 20, Gage Nixon, 17:51.8.
GIRLS
Team standings: DC West 27, Wahoo 50, Fort Calhoun 53, Concordia 57, Arlington 61, Roncalli 115, Logan View 124, West Point-Beemer 138, Boys Town 143, Yutan NA, Winnebago NA.
5K race winner: Hailey O'Daniel, Arlington, 20:18.3.
Arlington results: 1, O'Daniel, 20:18.3. 16, Whitney Wollberg, 22:52.52. 17, Kelise Krivohlavek, 22:55.14. 31, Sofie Lewis, 24:34.28. 33, Brooke Hilgenkamp, 24:37.38. 34, Brynn Eckhart, 24:38.5.
Fort Calhoun results: 2, Raeann Massey, 20:30.64. 11, Maelie Nelson, 21:59.23. 20, Harley Schwarte, 23:05.63. 24, Emily Barta, 23:35.6. 28, Bella McLaughlin, 24:09.44. 46, Brady Work, 26:41.68.
