Working against wind speeds around 15 mph, six local runners achieved all-conference honors at the Top of Iowa Conference cross country meet at NIACC in Mason City on Thursday.
In the girls competition, Forest City was the team champion, Belmond Klemme-CGD was ninth, West Fork placed 10th and North Butler didn’t register a team score. Belmond Klemme-CGD’s Lila Swenson placed 13th in 22:05 and West Fork’s Makenna Dick placed 14th in 22:06 to earn first team all-conference honors. North Butler’s Faith Eberline crossed 19th in 22:47 to earn second time all-conference honors. Belmond-Klemme-CGD Senior Lila Swenson notes how she managed the course and her time in her final conference meet.
“I made top 15 last year, but I placed better this year, so that was exciting. It’s something I’ve been working forward to my whole season,” says Swenson. “Completely prefer a flat course. It is a lot easier to run and it’ll keep me going faster a lot longer. I think it’s around where I want to be. I’m always wanting to get faster. I think I’m in a good spot, though.”
In the boys competition, Lake Mills was the team champion, North Butler was fifth, West Fork was 10th and Belmond Klemme-CGD placed 13th. North Butler’s Ezra Almelien placed fifth in 17:32 followed by teammate Brady Henning who finished eighth in 17:47, as both were recognized first team all-conference. North Butler’s Trager Pecha finished 23rd in 18:49 to receive a second team all-conference standing. North Butler Junior Ezra Almelien’s thoughts on his performance and the connection of the team.
“It was obviously windy out, so I wasn’t really looking for time, more to just compete and I thought I did that. Definitely the mileage helps just to get you more stable throughout the run and helps with the wind,” says Almelien. “It’s great just having a good team chemistry and having fun every day.”
Up next will be the state qualifying meets. West Fork will be at Newman Catholic, North Butler will be at South Hamilton and Belmond Klemme-CGD will be at Eagle Grove on Thursday, October 23.
