Cross country teams prepare for district competition

Ogden approached the high school boys’ conference Thursday, Oct. 11 meet  expecting a very deep and competitive field, with six of the WCAC teams ranked among the state’s top 15 throughout the season.

“Our guys ran their best team race of the season at Panorama, and were especially tough down the homestretch, to take 4th place among the 12 WCAC teams,” said Coach Ryan Koblisa.

Garrett Buxton and Stephen Flynn earned All-Conference honors with their 8th and 9th place finishes. It was the second year in a row Buxton, and Flynn’s first. 

“Stephen trailed outside the top ten for most of the race, but caught several runners with a great kick as they approached the finish line. That grit appeared to be contagious, as each of our varsity guys picked up 1-3 places in the final straightaway, which helped push us up a spot or two in the team standings,” commented Kobliska.

Trey Minnihan raced very well and finished among Ogden’s varsity seven. Cade Barnett was also strong and placed just a few strides behind Minnihan.

Girls

Kobliska said improvement was clear with the girls’ group, too. They placed three girls in the top third of the field after having only one at the previous Panorama meet. 

“Amber Braniff and Bella Russo have raced well for most of the season, while Reagan Kruse has overcome early season injuries to come on strong for the past couple weeks. This meet was her first time as our top finisher.”

That strength up front propelled the girls to a top-half conference finish, placing ahead of teams that they were far behind earlier in the season. Their continued improvement gives Ogden good momentum heading into the state qualifying meet.

State-Qualifying meet

The teams will have their work cut out for them next Thursday at the state qualifying meet in Marshalltown.

The boys field of teams at Marshalltown looks to be the toughest of the Class 1A state qualifying cross country assignments. Not only is the No. 1 team in the state - Madrid - among the 29 teams, but the field also includes No. 4 Newman Catholic, No. 6 South Hamilton, and No. 14 West Fork.

For individual times/placings, and team standings, see the Oct. 17 issue of The Ogden Reporter.