Boys CC team has strong showing at sections

The New Prague Trojan boys cross country team had a strong showing at the Section 2AA meet Thursday, Oct. 24, at Gale Woods Farm Park in Minnetrista.

The Trojans finished fifth of 17 teams and junior Adam Brandt just missed a state berth. Brandt and Mikele Walu of Worthington finished in a virtual tie for the final spot, in 16 minutes, 54.6 seconds, but video replay showed the Worthington runner edged him out for the 13th place. Jacob Malecha finished just four seconds behind them, in 16th place.

"Meet days have often brought challenges beyond our control this season. We have faced some very hot and humid days, tons of rain, plenty of wind, and lots of mud," said Coach Nick Meyer. "Competing in those conditions definitely made us a stronger team, but often put a damper on the times that our athletes were able to run. Today, we were blessed with nearly perfect weather, and the Trojans took advantage. It was our best team performance of the season."

Meyer said from the start, the Trojans executed a successful race plan. "They started assertively but under control, and they raced the first portion of the course within striking distance of where they wanted to be," he said. "As they entered the middle of the race, our guys did a great job of engaging and moving up in the pack, and the confidence and strength that they showed was impressive."

He said in the final stages of the race, the Trojans were.....

To see more on this story pick up the October 31, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times.