State Cross Country: Previewing Northeast Iowa athletes and what to expect in Fort Dodge
Northeast Iowa athletes ready to show their talent at the state cross country meet
Northeast Iowa is sending a number of talented athletes to the state cross country meet this weekend in Fort Dodge. Here is a preview of some of the athletes to watch:
In the girls' race, Waverly-Shell Rock's Addison Kephart is the top-ranked runner in Class 4A. Kephart won the state title in 2021 and is looking to repeat this year. She will be challenged by Ankeny Centennial's Lily Bontrager, who is ranked second in the state.
In the boys' race, Cedar Falls' Aidan Smith is the top-ranked runner in Class 4A. Smith won the state title in 2020 and is looking to add another title to his resume. He will be challenged by Waukee's Cade Mueller, who is ranked second in the state.
Other Northeast Iowa athletes to watch include:
- Waverly-Shell Rock's Ella DeKruyf (girls' Class 4A)
- Cedar Falls' Ellie Foster (girls' Class 4A)
- New Hampton's Grace Laures (girls' Class 2A)
- Decorah's Olivia Halverson (girls' Class 3A)
- Waukon's Gavin Hammel (boys' Class 2A)
- Charles City's Ethan Thomas (boys' Class 3A)
The state cross country meet will be held at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge on Saturday, October 29. The girls' race will start at 9:00 AM, and the boys' race will start at 10:00 AM.
What to expect in Fort Dodge
The state cross country meet is always a competitive event, and this year's meet is expected to be no different. The weather forecast for Saturday is calling for sunny skies and mild temperatures, which should make for ideal racing conditions.
The course at Lakeside Golf Course is a challenging one, with plenty of hills and turns. Runners will need to be in good shape and have good pacing in order to succeed.
The atmosphere at the state cross country meet is electric. Thousands of fans will be on hand to cheer on the runners, and the excitement will be palpable. It is an experience that every high school runner should have.
Tips for fans attending the meet
If you are planning on attending the state cross country meet, here are a few tips:
- Arrive early to get a good spot to watch the race.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Be respectful of the runners and the other fans.
The state cross country meet is a great opportunity to see some of the best high school runners in the state compete. It is an event that you won't want to miss.
