Wildcat runners start the new season on a high note

HARTINGTON — The first week of running for cross country teams can be telling in small part it’s really about the long-range push.

The Hartington-Newcastle squads got things started last week at the Hartington Community Complex and the host girls finished second, falling short of winners Battle Creek by five points.

“The young team ran well, as five of the six have never run in a competition 5k,” HNS head coach Mandy Hochstein said.

Senior Jessica Opfer medaled second with a personal record of 23:46, freshman Ava Noecker medaled 11th, sophomore Abby Anderson did so at 14th and freshman Claire Rolfes fell just a spot out of bringing home her own medal, finishing 16th.

“The girls ran very well,” Hochstein said. “I was proud of all of their efforts: A competitive race is always different from practice. Jessica is a great leader to our young squad and they have a very special team bond that will only help with the success of the upcoming season.”

Hochstein also listed the performances of freshmen Carmon Buschkamp and Madelyn Rosener who ran their first race.

“They went out strong and gave it their all on a very hot and humid day,” Hochstein said.

The boys took fourth out of 12 schools and Hochstein said some of the runners were a bit “disappointed” with the results.

Defending state champion Carson Noecker cruised to the title with a time of 16:34.

Junior Alan Santiago and senior Parker Albers placed 20th and 21st, while freshman Cole Rosener placed 24th. “The boys are working hard, and

“The boys are working hard, and the heat was definitely a factor with the squad that day,” Hochstein said.

The team heads to Beemer for a 5:30 p.m. Thursday race.

Team Scores Boys

1 Battle Creek, 38; 2 Laurel-Concord-Cole., 47; 3 Osmond. 52; 4 Hartington-Newcastle, 57; 5 Pender, 97. 6 Winnebago, 110; 7 Ponca, 116; 8 Osmond JV, 132; 9 Randolph, 147; 10 Homer, 154; 11 Laurel-Concord-Cole.JV, 216

Top 15

1 Noecker, Carson, Hart-New., 16:34.94; 2 Lander, Grant, Homer, 18:26.26; 3 Oestreich, Hunter, Battle Creek, 18:57.92; 4 Mosel, Jordan, Plainview, 19:07.40; 5 Taylor, Brody, Ponca, 19:08.28; 6 Berridge, Dyami, Winnebago, 19:12.29; 7. Kilmurry, Jaxon, Battle Creek, 19:50.40; 8 Rose, Preston, LCC, 20:06.29; 9 Mosel, Kyler, Plainview, 20:06.38; 10 Olson, Dillon, LCC, 20:25.51.

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