The Wessington Springs cross country team opened its season Sept. 1 at the MCM Invite at the Salem Golf Course. The Spartans have six runners on this year’s team and competed in three of the meet’s four races.
Senior Ella Kolousek was first off the line for the Spartans, competing in her final season-opening race in a Spartan uniform. She completed the 5,000-meter course in 28 minutes, 5.44 seconds, placing 44th among 50 runners.
Senior Alexis Roesler remains sidelined with a leg injury and is anxiously awaiting her return to the starting line.
The Spartans also welcomed newcomer Carson Clements, who made a strong debut in his first race for Wessington Springs. Clements completed the 5K course in 18:35.08, earning a top-10 finish with 10th place.
Also competing in the varsity race was Chamberlain’s Liam Gill, great-grandson of Jerry and Diane Fastnacht. Gill placed third in 17:48.18.
The Spartans did not have a runner in the junior varsity girls race.
Ethan Heumiller and Houston Havlik represented Wessington Springs in the JV boys race. Heumiller returned this season running with more confidence and strength, completing the 4K course in 16:25.68. His sixthplace finish earned him a medal.
Havlik competed in his first cross country race and made his way through the course with plenty of encouragement and a smile on his face. He finished in 20:28.19, placing 69th among 84 finishers.
Spartans take on Augustana Twilight
The varsity runners returned to competition Sept. 4 at the Augustana Twilight Meet in Sioux Falls.
Extreme heat and humidity forced organizers to adjust the meet schedule to protect athletes. Two JV races were canceled, remaining races were pushed later into the evening and the order was changed, with the varsity boys running first.
The size of the meet was evident before Clements ever left the starting line. He lined up in box 86 of 90 as more than 500 runners prepared to race.
The wave of runners coming off the starting line was an impressive sight, with athletes navigating the crowded start while maintaining their stride. Clements stayed near the middle of the pack throughout the race and finished the 5K in 18:27.03, placing 217th among 502 finishers.
Kolousek followed in the varsity girls race, which began around 9:30 p.m.
By then, the “Twilight” portion of the meet was in full effect. Two bicyclists equipped with flashing lights and a headlamp served as the lead vehicle, while small flags, glow sticks and portable lights marked the course.
More than 400 runners competed in the girls race. Kolousek finished in 27:02.48, placing 412th.
The Spartans return to competition Sept. 10 at De Smet.