The Wessington Springs cross-country team wrapped up its regular season Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Ethan/Parkston Invitational in Parkston, highlighted by two first-place finishes and several personal bests.
In the junior high 3,000-meter race, Lorin Schaller got off to a strong start and maintained his position near the front of the pack. He pulled away to win the boys’ division in 12:46.9. Houston Havlik ran a steady race, finishing eighth in 14:21.1. Both runners recorded personal bests on the 3K course.
Ethan Heumiller led the junior varsity boys’ 4,000-meter race from start to finish, claiming first place in 16:41.7.
In the varsity girls’ 5,000-meter race, Alexis Roesler turned in a season-best time of 24:01.3 to finish 33rd. Ella Kolousek battled through leg pain to finish 38th in 27:06.1.
Carson Clements stayed with the lead pack in the varsity boys’ 5,000-meter race before he and another runner separated themselves from the field. Clements finished second in a personal-best time of 16:42.6.
The Spartans will compete in the Region 3B cross-country meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Freeman, following a regional realignment at the beginning of the school year.
The top 20 individual finishers and top three teams in each varsity race will qualify for the state cross-country meet Saturday, Oct. 24, at Hart Ranch & Resort in Rapid City.