Linn XC competed at meet within a meet at Saturday’s Brian T. Simpson Invitational at Gans Creek, which included the Central State 8 Conference meet.

“This was a unique race for our athletes,” said Coach Robyn Baker. “Harrisburg High School works to make the Brian T. Simpson Invite a great race for small schools, and it is just that. It is a very large race, though, with lots of runners and competition. Within this meet, though, the Central State 8 Conference held its conference meet, which made the overall meet an interesting viewing experience, a meet within a meet.”

The varsity girls were in a box far to the side, but it worked out on this course and the girls started well, as the Lady Cats finished fifth as a team. “We have really been focusing on running more as a pack and moving up together,” said Baker. “In this race, our top five runners had a spread of only 35 seconds, which was exactly what we wanted. Now, the goal is to move that pack up at least one person in the next race.”

In the conference portion of the race, Linn finished  second as a team, thanks to that pack time.

Genna Haslag (45, 24:35) is getting back into her old running rhythm at just the right time. “She came in first for the team and earned a seventh-place All-Conference medal,” said Baker. “Elyse Brandt (49, 24:44) ran a good first loop, but her second loop was phenomenal. She moved up from fourth on the team to second and earned an eighth-place All-Conference medal.”

Kylie Messenger (54, 24:53) continues to run well and during this race, surged at just the right places. “She was surprised and excited to receive the 10th-place All-Conference medal,” Baker noted. “Adalyn Brandt (56, 25:00, CS8-11th) had a great start to the race. She finished just behind Kylie and ran a personal-best for the season. Charli Lenger (58, 25:10, CS8-13th), didn’t have her best race, but she was competitive, and her time and place definitely helped our team. Shayla Burnett (82, 26:26, CS8-16th) was excited and ready for a race, but she had a bit of a struggle with her spikes, which slowed her down. I was proud of her determination in finishing the race, and I know she will use this to push her in the next meet. Emerson Bowser (117, 30:48, CS8-26th)continues to push herself in each race. Her time was consistent with last year.”

The varsity boys race included over 200 runners, so Linn faced some great competition. The team finished fourth among CS8 schools.

Jackson Hamburg hit sub-20 in the previous race, and met his goal to stay under that time with a run of 19:57 for 74th overall and ninth in the conference. “He got off to a good start and made that time and earned a medal,” said Baker. “Vince Tschappler (100, 20:53, CS8-13th) was ready to race. He wasn’t quite able to break that 20-minute mark, but he stayed with the middle of the pack group and finished well. Reid Baker (116, 21:20, CS8-18th) was disappointed in his race, because of how well he has been running as of late. However, he was able to get a personal record on this course, and I feel like he is going to use his disappointment to fuel him in the next race.”

Isaiah Franken (164, 23:02, CS8-27th) had one of his best races this season. “He looked strong the entire race, and it continues to be fun to watch him,” said Baker. “Owen Jaegers (190, 24:27, CS8-35th) and Samuel Heckman (195, 24:59, CS8-36th) ran close to each other most of the race. Every time I saw Sam, he was working to move up a little closer to Owen, which is exactly what we wanted, and how we asked them to run the race. Emmit Mehmert (212, 29:50, CS8-39th) is normally with the other two boys, but he was not feeling the best. So, it wasn’t his best race, but he showed a lot of resilience and determination. Carson Kliethermes (218, 33:22, CS8-41st) and Carson Cozart (220, 36:56, CS8-42nd) continue to work hard and push themselves in each race. Carson K ran well enough for a personal record at this meet, and Carson C was not far from his best. It is so good to see that progress in both runners.”

This was Linn’s last middle school race of the season. “I was glad it was at the state course,” said Baker. “It was a great experience for them. The start of this race can be very intimidating with the number of runners, and the length and width of the starting area, but both the boys and girls took it as a challenge and did well.”

Kenni Kramer (21, 13:34, CS8-4th) is a bundle of energy, and she uses it to keep her running. “She had a great race and earned not only an All-Conference medal but also a medal in the overall race,” said Baker. “She will be a fun one to watch as the years go on. Lily Baker (36, 13:31, CS8-9th) has a competitive spirit, and she uses it to her advantage in each race. She pushed herself to earn a medal, and it was a great way to end her middle school cross country season.”

Norah Caldwell (46, 14:32, CS8-13th) has been dealing with a hurt toe for about a week, but she decided she was going to run and give it her all in this last race. “She has great determination, and I am excited to see her use that next year as a freshman,” said Baker. “Bella Messenger (62, 15:03, CS8-18th) took our advice to get out fast and was the first runner coming down the start line. She wasn’t able to finish first, but she ran well, and I think she is really started to figure out her running. Jaedyn Theissen (103, 17:39, CS8-26th) has grown so much this season. It was good to see her running this race as well as she did, and to see her excitement knowing she accomplished so much this season. I am excited to see her running career progress.”

Landon Engelhardt finished the boys’ race in 13:52 for 57th overall, and 15th among CS8 runners.

“I am so proud of Landon and how he has run this entire season as the only boy on the middle school team,” said Baker. “He gets up to the line with a smile and a plan. He was just shy of an All-Conference medal, but as a seventh-grader, he is going to come back stronger and better next year.”