One . . . two . . . three . . .

Competing at a state level event for three years is a fete not many high school age students get the chance to experience. However, Red Raider, Brayton Jarosik, (from the Sandy Creek half of the Red Raiders) qualified last Thursday to do just that. The class C-4 Cross Country District Meet was held in Minden and Brayton finished in 5th place with a time of 17:16. That time was also a career best for Brayton and was just 19 seconds behind the district winner.

Also winning a medal at the district was Logan Menke (from the Lawrence-Nelson half of the Red Raiders). Logan placed 14th at the meet with a time of 17:44 which was also a career best for him. This is Logan's first time to compete at the state level.

Coach Randi Fox exclaimed: "What a Day." In addition to Brayton and Logan, Jessica Himmelberg and Jacob Hagemeier also ran career best times. Itzamna Diaz, Zach Brennfoerder and Theo Kathman all had season best times. Teagan Jarosik was just a couple of seconds off her season best time. Coach Fox continued: "I am so proud of these kids. They gave everything they had and it paid off. Jessie ended her career on a high note. She had tears of joy at the finish line. Alex was unable to run her last race because of illness."

Individual finishes were: Teagan Jarosik, 31st, 23:40; Jessica Himmelberg, 53rd, 28:37. The boys' team placed 7th out of 12 teams with 129 points. The other four placements were: Theo Kathman, 52nd, 20:44; Jacob Hagemeier, 57th, 20:56; Itzamna Diaz, 60th, 21:19; Zach Brennfoerder, 72nd, 24:44.

Brayton and Logan will run next Friday at the state meet to be held in Kearney. Their starting time will be at 2:00 p.m.