First time for ElDo runners

Boys, girls cross country teams qualify for state

by Brian Goatley

The El Dorado Springs High School Cross Country team traveled to Hollister on Saturday, Oct. 27, for the Class 2 District 7 cross-country meet. At stake was a birth to the State Cross Country Meet which is to be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, in Jefferson City. To get there, athletes had to either place in the top 15 individually, or place in the top two as a team. The weather had us set up for a great day.

GIRLS TAKE 2ND AT DISTRICT – The Bulldog girls varsity team finished in 2nd overall, qualifying the entire team to compete at state next weekend. Members are Morgan Mitchell, Abby Klaiber, Abby Cartwright, Sarah King and Kenli Rader. Photo by Keri Rader.

The girls got the day started at 3:30. Freshman Kenli Rader led the way for the Lady Bulldogs placing 3rd overall, with a personal best time of 20:45. This was the first time Kenli has broke 21 minutes. Kenli was the only runner to qualify individually, but was joined by teammates Sarah King (Senior), Abby Klaiber (Junior), Morgan Mitchell (Freshman) and Abby Cartwright (Senior) to take 2nd place overall as a team, and as a result, punching their ticket to the state meet. Some of the girls ran a little hesitant, but I think, are relieved to know that they have made it on. Now they can relax and just go out and run their own race on Saturday.

BOYS TAKE 2ND AT DISTRICT – The Bulldog boys varsity team also finished 2nd overall at the district meet qualifying then to compete at state as a team this Saturday. Members are Austin Wiegel, Nick Raddatz, Daelen Ackley, Trevyn Garringer, Brice Knoll, Caleb Mooney, and Gavin Mooney. Photo by Keri Rader.

The boy’s team followed the girls up with a pretty impressive race of their own. Daelen Ackley (Freshmen) led the way as District Champion, winning with a time of 16:18.23. Sophomore Trevyn Garringer finished in 8th, followed shortly behind by twin seniors, Gavin and Caleb Mooney, who finished 9th and 11th respectively. These four not only qualified individually, but joined up with teammates Austin Wiegel (Freshmen), Nick Raddatz (Senior) and Brice Knoll (Sophomore) to place 2nd as a team just on the heels of a good Stockton team.

Both teams set Team State Qualifying as their goal from the very beginning of the year and have worked hard throughout the summer and season to achieve that goal. This is the first time that the El Dorado Springs cross country team has qualified both teams in the same year, which is exciting. They are looking to fine tune and get ready to represent El Dorado Springs well at State. The boy’s team will race at 11:55, with the girls team racing at 1:05. The Championships will be run at the Oak Hills golf course in Jefferson City. The runners would love to see as many fans as can come out and support them.

TOP ELDO GIRL – Kenli Rader was the only Bulldog girls to qualify as an individual for the state meet with her 3rd place finish.

TOP RUNNER – Bulldog Daelen Ackley finished first at the District  Cross Country meet. Photo by Keri Rader.