PAHS cross country teams start fall seasons

The Paynesville girls' cross country team starts its 2003 season rated eighth in Class A in the preseason polls. After a state runner-up finish in 2001 and a ninth-place showing at state in 2002, the girls appear to be in the hunt again this year.

Preseason polls have three-time defending champion New London-Spicer rated first among Class A girls. Others in the top 12 are (2) Staples-Motley; (3) Canby-Minneota/Lincoln; (4) St. Cloud Cathedral; (5) United South Central; (6) Hermantown; (7) Mesabi East; (8) Paynesville; (9) Winona Cotter; (10) Luverne; (11) Lake City; (12) Kingsland.

All-state runner Kacy Nehowig, a ninth grader, is back to lead the Bulldogs. She finished 17th at the state meet last year.

Other returning runners for the Bulldogs are sophomore Tanis Beireis, eighth grader Kaitlyn Frenchick, junior Sheena Hoekstra, ninth grader Krista Wendroth, eighth grader Melanie Koerner, and sophomore Lindsey Wyffels.

Seven new runners have also joined the team, according to coach Darrel Carstens, who returns for his 31st season.

The boys' team will be led by senior captain Chad Wyffels and juniors Matt Mehr, Chris Utsch, and Jason Wendroth. Also returning are ninth graders Dugan Flanders and Peder Thompson and seventh grader Jamison Wall.

Six new runners have joined the boys' squad this year.

The girls' team graduated Nicole Flint while the boys' team lost Riley Flanders, Tom Flannigan, and Fred Stock to graduation. "We are definitely going to miss those four seniors," said Carstens. "We have a good group of new runners, so it is going to be a developing year."

The team has been working hard at summer practices with two-a-day workouts, said Carstens.

Both teams opened their season on Tuesday at Morris. Both will run next on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the BBE Invitational, held at the golf course in Brooten. This meets starts at 5 p.m.

Season Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Morris 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 4 at Brooten 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 8 at LPGE 4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 11 at NL-S 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 at Milaca 10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25 Koronis Invite 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Becker 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 WCC at Koronis Hills 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 14 Subsection at Annandale 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 23 Section at Becker 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 State at Northfield 12 noon

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