Huskies’ runners take on state

Owatonna cross-country competed at the Class AAA state meet at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights last weekend and saw a host of Huskies cross the finish line during the biggest meet of the season.

The Huskies’ girls competed as a team; meanwhile, Owatonna boys runners Jack Sorenson and Leyton Williams competed as individuals.

“It’s definitely different. I mean, we went to Les Bolstad for the Roy Griak Invitational earlier this year, but it was a different course. I didn’t quite hit my placement goal, but it was my first time at state, and it was a valuable learning experience for next year,” said Sorenson.

Sorenson was Owatonna’s fastest finisher on the day by taking 43^rd place in a field of 160 with a time of 16:16.7.

The junior made his state debut alongside senior teammate Williams, who placed 98^th.

Taking the trail at state was a major milestone for Williams and something his head coach, Luke Holt, said the duo worked hard to achieve in the weeks prior.

“We had him peak in sections because we knew how badly we wanted him to get to state. He ran his hardest in sections and made it. Running at state was like the icing on the cake. But he still managed to set a personal record at state, which was awesome,” said Holt about Williams’ performance.

Williams’ official time was 16:49.3 and earned him 98^th place.

On the girls’ side, Owatonna placed 15^th as a team with 317 total points.

The Huskies were led by senior captain and multiple-time state participant Carsyn Brady who finished in 45^th place at 19:24.7.

Owatonna’s Kendra Melby also cracked the top 100 by finishing in 99^th at 20:15.8.

Also finishing for the Huskies were Leah Leckner (109), Clara Sennott (115), Anna Cox (126), Clara Meier (148) and Paige Thompson (158.)