Bulldog Cross Country Teams Start Race to Postseason

The MHS cross country teams set high goals this year, according to head coach Eric Townsend. Townsend, who begins his 20th season with the Bulldogs, says, “Both teams are looking to be crowned NEC and region team champions. We want to improve upon last year’s state team finishes.” In 2019, the boys placed 7th and the girls brought home 13th. “Overall, everyone on the team has a goal to improve each day and be running their best at the end of the season.”

Three seniors lead the way — Allison Leddy, Amaya Street, and Isaac Johnson. “I’m expecting a lot of leadership and work ethic from them,” says Townsend. “They need to be models for the younger athletes and help the team in any way possible.” Fellow seniors, Lindsey Mertens and Greta Snaza, serve as student managers.

Returning letter winners include;  juniors Nick Batchelor, Cade Howard, Maiah Brown, and Emily Van Hoorn; sophomores Julia Wiik, Ellie Neugebauer, Ashlyn O’Farrell, and Maurina Street; freshmen James Batchelor, Isaac Graham, and Kynlee Speidel; and eighth grader Tyra Berry.

The team roster also includes: juniors Will Karels, Ryker Trevett, and Savanna Osowski; sophomores Sammy Femling and Addie Farrell; freshmen Grant Van Peursem, Kaitlyn Krause, Nadia Thue, Stella Wendland, and Jaclyn Wiik; eighth graders Bryan Meyer, Ryan O’Farrell, Rylee Scoular, and Ashlee Van Hoorn; and seventh graders Asher Young, Ashlyn Batchelor,
Olivia Foell, Evelyn Liebe, Elexia Quintanilla, and Camryn Sovell.

“Because of COVID-19, there will be no Minnesota meets on our schedule this year,” says Townsend. “We are working to find meets for the ones we won’t be able to attend.” 

Milbank starts the season on Monday, August 31, with the Breathe Easy meet at the Whetstone Creek Golf Course in Milbank. Races begin at 5 p.m. Attendance is open to everyone.