BP’s Hernandez makes school history at state
Gloria Hernandez runs down a hill at Les Bolstad Golf Course during the Class A state cross-country meet. Hernandez set Blooming Prairie school history when she took 58th at the meet – the best finish of any Blooming Prairie girls runner to compete in state cross-country. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Blooming Prairie sophomore Gloria Hernandez achieved a career goal last week when she ran in her first-ever state cross-country meet, but the pinnacle of her day more than just the opportunity to compete on the big stage.
After falling short just one place shy of a trip in 2023, Hernandez qualified by finishing 11th at sections in 2024, and then made Awesome Blossoms fans even prouder with a strong 58th-place finish in a pack of 160 athletes.
“It feels amazing to represent Blooming Prairie. Blooming is a great community, so it means a lot. It felt really good. Knowing I missed it by one last year and then getting it this year was super sweet. Especially putting up a two-second personal record today,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez’s time of 20:31.3 earned her not only a personal best mark but also etched her name into some Awesome Blossoms history.
According to Blooming Prairie Head Coach John Bruns, Hernandez’s 58th-place finish was the best ever amongst all Awesome Blossoms girl athletes who have competed at the state cross-country meet.
Hernandez’s placement edged out Andrea Rumpza’s 59th-place finish in 2003 and Serena Schewe’s 63rd-place finish in 1997.
According to Hernandez, there were some important factors of the race that she plans to utilize to her advantage next time around.
“I think just letting the first mile go and knowing you’re going to get boxed in. You just have to let it go and go with the flow of the race,” said Hernandez.
While many athletes crossed the finish line and promptly fell to the ground in agony, Blooming Prairie’s sophomore standout was noticeably in better shape than most post-race.
With two years left under her belt, Hernandez figures to continue vying for impressive finishes and will look to build on her record-setting performance as a junior in 2025.
