Cadet cross country girls' team places third at NEIC meet, boys finish fifth

WAUKON - The Class 2A No. 3 Crestwood girls’ and boys’ cross country teams both performed well in the rain at the Northeast Iowa Conference Meet on Oct. 10 in Waukon as the girls’ took third overall with 61 points while the boys’ placed fifth with 118.

In the varsity girls’ meet, Ellie Friesen, Cassidy Ihns and Hope Dohlman all finished in the top 15 to earn NEIC honors. Ellie Friesen won the conference title for the second straight year in 18:56.0, Ihns was fourth in 19:39.5 and Dohlman placed sixth in 20:18.1. 

Other varsity Crestwood girls who competed included: Brynn Bodermann (24th, 22:12), Sarah Mashek (26th, 22:19), Emily Friesen (28th, 22:32.1) and Rachel Steffen (34th, 23:05). Annie Mast led the Cadet JV team as she took 11th in 22:36.

In the varsity boys’ meet, Bryden Juelsgaard placed 13th in 18:10.3 to earn NEIC honors. Ryan Steffen placed 24th in 19:35 and Boston Ferrie was 26th in 20:05. Other Cadets included: Garret Ollendieck (27th, 20:09), Blake Murphy (28th, 20:13), Kyle Quam (32nd 20:56), Carlos Beascochea (21:47). Jon Millage led the JV squad as he placed 27th in 20:43.

Cadet Coach Jim Obermann said all the runners performed well.

“The conditions at the meet were brutal with the rain, but all of our runners battled well against very talented competition,” Obermann said. “I congratulate Ellie for winning her second straight NEIC title. I thought Cassidy and Hope also ran a great race. Our conference is very strong with both the girls’ and boys’ teams.

“In the JV race, I was pleased with the effort of our girls. Both Annie Mast and Libby Labosky both ran strong,” the coach said.

The coach also had high praise for the Crestwood boys.

“Bryden Juelsgaard ran a tremendous race to earn All-Conference honors,” Obermann said. “He is having a great season, and he is one of the better sophomore runners in the conference. I am very proud of him.

“Ryan Steffen ran his best race of the year. Boston Ferrie, Garret Ollendieck and Blake Murphy also ran very strong. All of our boys competed hard.

“In the JV meet, Jon Millage, Jake Andera and Matthew Slifka all ran very well. All of the guys are showing a great effort. I also want to thank the fans and the parents for all of their support,” Obermann said.

State Qualifier Oct. 19

The Crestwood boys’ and girls’ cross country teams will compete at the Class 2A State Qualifier Meet on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. at Fox Ridge Golf Course near Dike-New Hartford High School. The top three teams and the top 15 individuals will qualify for the State Meet Oct. 28 at Fort Dodge.