Cross Country Teams Run Under the Lights at Augie Twilight

According to Eric Townsend, head coach for the Milbank cross country teams the 14th Annual Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls was an awesome experience for all the runners. “There were 92 high school teams, and each race featured 400-500-plus runners. Some of the top times in the nation were run at this meet. Both (Milbank) teams ran very well with much improvement from a year ago,” Townsend stated.

The Twilight, one of the largest races in the region, annually attracts more than 5,000 participants, coaches, and fans for evening races under the lights. Teams from NCAA Division I to high school junior varsity squads are featured. The earliest race – the JV girls – started at 6:30 p.m., and the latest start time was reserved for the college men’s race at 9 p.m.

Recapping Milbank’s performance, Townsend said, “Freshman Ella Koplin had an outstanding race (5,000-Meter Run) at the Augie Twilight meet. She was the top Milbank finisher and placed 130th overall. “ He also noted, “Ella’s time was over 90 seconds faster than a year ago on the same course.” For the Bulldogs, their top finisher was Jeter Scoular. Scoular claimed 71st place in the varsity boys 5,000-Meter Run. 

The Milbank JV girls took 12th place in their 4000-Meter Run. Eighth grader Tabitha McFaden was the Lady Bulldogs’ first runner to finish. She came in  49th place.

Townsend says he believes, “The key to the season for both teams will be to stay healthy and avoid the injury or illness bugs.”  

What’s next? The Bulldogs X-Country team will host the Bank Invite with a 12 -team field at the Whetstone Creek Golf Course north of Milbank on Saturday, September 13. Refreshments will be available for purchase.