Bulldogs Face Off Against Top State Competitors at Sioux Falls Meet”

The Mibank cross country teams battled three things at the meet hosted by Sioux Falls Christian on September 17 – injuries, the heat, and strong competition. Eric Townsend, head coach for MHS, commented, “The Charger Invite was a great opportunity for both teams to see most of the best teams in the state… Many of the top teams and individuals in Class A ran in this meet. The heat got to us a little bit as the temperature was over 85 degrees.” Townsend also noted, “Both teams need to continue to heal up and get healthier as the season goes on.”

Senior Bryan Meyer was the top finisher for the Bulldogs. He crossed the line in the 5,000-meter run held at Yankton Trail Park.at 18:55.57 to take 22nd place. Liam Heller, a sophomore, claimed 24th place at 18:56.88. Sophomore Jeter Scoular took 26th at 19:07.35. Sophomore Beckham Berry was 38th. He clocked in at 20:15.21 just ahead of Bennett Graham, also a sophomore, who finished 39th at 20:23.23. Freshman Rylan Wendland was 44th at 20:52.16. Jack Brown, a senior from Tri-Valley, won the race with his time of 16:33.45.

“Our times and places were not as good as we would have hoped, but it was a measuring stick to see where we stack up against some of the best. Overall, both teams competed hard. The boys team finished sixth out of nine complete teams and the girls team finished  fifth out of seven complete teams,” Townsend said.

Boys Team Scores:

1. Sioux Falls Christian –22
2. West Central –52
3.  Lennox –60
4. Vermillion –62
5. Dakota Valley –66
6. Milbank –102
7. Beresford –114
8. Canton –156
9. Tri-Valley –157

Ashlynn Batchelor, an MHS junior, who is one of the Milbank runners battling an injury, made the top-10 at the Charger Invitational. She placed ninth in the 5,000-meter race with her time of 20:39.01. Sadie Pettengill, a freshman from Sioux Falls Christian was the winner at 18:56.27. Milbank sophomore Macy Mueller finished 27th at 22:46.66.  Ella Koplin, an eighth grader, brought home 31st place at 23:27.22. Aria Prasnicki, also an eighth grader, was just behind her in 32nd place at 23;30.23. Sophomore Zayda Townsend took 42nd place for the Lady Bulldogs with her time of 25:55.05.

Girls Team Scores:

1. Sioux Falls Christian –15
2. Lennox –40
3. West Central –57
4. Dakota Valley –65
5. Milbank –83
6. Canton –91
7. Tri-Valley –136

What’s next? Milbank travels to the Grand Forks Border Battle on Saturday, September 28. Over 94 schools from around the region will compete. Races for sixth through eighth grade teams are scheduled for the morning. The National Anthem will be played  at 12:45. Varsity boys start at 1 p.m. Varsity girls follow at approximately 2 p.m. JV races round out the day, starting at approximately 3 p.m.

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