Bulldogs take eighth at section meet

By Freddie Stock

The Bulldogs boys' cross country team ran their last meet of the year at the Section 5A race at Becker on Thursday. It was a tough race, and the Dogs, who were plagued by injuries all year, had trouble, placing last out of eight teams.

Boys' cross country team State-rated St. Cloud Cathedral won the meet easily, scoring 44 points, with Annandale taking second place with 94 points. Both teams earned a spot at the state meet on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Junior Chad Wyffels came in first for the Dogs this week, finishing 18th with his personal best time of 17:43. "I felt great today, and just was able to go," said Wyffels.

Senior Tommy Flannigan also had a very good race and finished 24th with his own personal best time of 17:53.

Senior Freddie Stock came in a little ways back, finishing in 32nd place.

Members of the Paynesville boys' cross country team fight for position in a pack of runners duuring the Section 5A race at Becker on Thursday. Pictured, in white, are Tommy Flannigan (42), Chad Wyffels (44), Riley Flanders (41), Jason Wendroth (45), Freddie Stock (43).

Senior Riley Flanders, hampered by a stress fracture in his foot, was back for his first meet since late September, but was unable to run up to his usual pace because of his injury and missed training. He gave a great effort and finished fourth for the team and 37th overall.

Sophomore Jason Wendroth finished 41st and wrapped up the team score. Sophomores Matt Mehr finished 47th and Chris Utsch finished 52nd.

"We had a tough year because of losing our top runner to injury and felt it through the finish of the season," said Flannigan.

The Dogs still ran well this season and had a great time. The team would like to thank the coaches Darrel Carstens, Rick Houske, and Todd Spanier.

Next year, the Dogs will have four of their top seven runners back and expect to be strong again. The Dogs will lose the three seniors: Riley Flanders, Tommy Flannigan, and Freddie Stock. Flanders and Stock have been running since seventh grade, and Flannigan since eighth grade.

Team Scores
1. St. Cloud Cathedral 44
2. Annandale 94
3. Pierz 101
4. Hinckley-Finlayson 113
5. Pine City 117
6. Crosby-Ironton 129
7. Albany 144
8. Paynesville 152

Individual Results
18. Chad Wyffels 17:43
24. Tom Flanigan 17:53
32. Freddie Stock 18:14
37. Riley Flanders 18:35
41. Jason Wendroth 18:48
47. Matt Mehr 18:58
52. Chris Utsch 19:39

Contact the author at editor@paynesvillepress.com • Return to Sports

Home | Marketplace | Community