On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Spartans left to go to Sioux Falls to practice on the course for the state meet, which was at Yankton Trail Park. The course was in great shape and the weather looked to be favorable for runners and spectators, alike.
On Saturday morning, we got up and got to the course early, so the kids could go through it once more before race time. This year, the races started with class AA boys at noon. The wind was minimal and a course record was set for that race. The class B boys were next to the start line and Ranick Fjerstad stepped into box 13, with two other runners from Dell Rapids St. Mary, and together they were among 115 Class B runners. Box 13 was right in the middle of the starting line. He would have to hold strong off the start, not getting too squeezed as the field of runners funneled together.
Ranick really came around at the end of the season, putting together a complete race. He held strong at the end of the race overcoming sickness/ nerves as his body was trying to revolt against the rigor of the race. Ranick ran 20:11.29 and finished 87th in Class B.
There were two other races before the class B girls stepped to the start line at 2 p.m. Our girls started out of box 8, which was more to the north end of the start line. Like Ranick, they too, would have to hold strong from the start line as the pack of 113 runners would be leaning toward them once everyone came together.
Abby and Alexis ran well together and stayed together. In her final crosscountry race of her senior year, Abby Kolousek finished her last 5K run in 22:47.38 and in 68th place. Alexis Roesler was right behind her finishing in 22:49.81 for 69th place. Masynn Mebius, making it to state in her first year of cross-country, ran 24:29.47 and finished 96th. Ella Kolousek ran 26:19.99 to finish in 110th place.
It was great to have Wessington Springs represented in both the boys’ and girls’ races this year. It is something we haven’t accomplished for quite a while. It is my goal to return to the state meet, in the years to come with both boys and girls.
Once again, I applaud these young men and women for their hard work this season and accomplishing great things. Thank you to the friends and family who came to the state meet in support of the Spartans.