L’Anse girls, Jeffers boys win big at Bulldog Invite
Trending
HANCOCK -- What a difference a year makes. Just ask L’Anse Purple Hornets cross country coach Erin DiCarlo.
Last year was the first year for the fall sport for both boys and girls runners. Tuesday, her girls were on the top of the podium at the Bulldog Invite in Hancock. With five-to-10 runners, they took first place with ease, thanks to a score of 33. Coming in second was Ewen-Trout Creek with a score of 70 and Calumet took third with 79.
"This has been a year of huge year of growth for the girls," said DiCarlo. "The girls are strong and they work well together while holding each other accountable."
She added that leadership by junior harriers Kwynn Voskuhl (third-place finish, 23.23.3) and Lily Froese (24:32.2) have been key to this year’s success.
Coming in first for the girls’ 5K was Bree Besonen of Ewen-Trout Creek. Her time of 21:34.3 topped second-place finisher Alena Pietila (22:24.7), of Hancock and Jeffers third-place runner Remi Copenen (22:27.2).
Besonen said a hard practice on hills last week made this run a little easier.
"We did hills on Friday and that helped set me up for this run," she said. "I am happy with my time."
Another coach that was happy with his team was Jeffers coach Sam Kilpela. His boys took first with a dominating score of 24. They outpaced Negaunee (42) and the L’Anse squad (79), who came in second and third, respectively
"We did not know what to expect from Negaunee," he said. "But Branson Anderson led the way for us and we ran strong and smart on a tricky course."
While junior-runner Anderson came in second with a time of 18:52.3, the Jets had five runners finish in the top-eight spots.
"The hills were tough, but I am happy with my time," said Anderson.
As the pack spread out, Anderson kept pace with the boys’ top finisher Eduel Spencer, of West Iron County. He won with a time of 18:40.7. In third place for the boys was Ishpeming’s Kemper Gerhart at 19:31.3.
"Hats off to Liam Kinnunen and Tage Rajala," said Kilpela. "They helped carry the team today for a win."