2 medals for Hawks at home meet
Young runners keep making strides
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VANESSA ROHWER/SANBORN PIONEER
Hailey Grotluschen finished 36th at the H-M-S Invitational last week.
Coming off their best meet of the season, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn cross country teams earned two medals at their home invitational on Sept. 21 at Sanborn.
Madison Otto earned a varsity medal on the basis of her fourth-place finish. Hawk coach Nicole Dorhout said Otto really worked hard.
"This year, Madi has a newfound confidence. Rather than sitting back and waiting for others to set the pace, she realizes when she wants to take charge. That's what she did when she thought the half-mile was too slow. I'm really proud of the way she is maturing and growing as a competitor and runner."
Other finishers in the girls' varsity race were Lexi Croatt in 28th, Ashleigh Vermeer in 33rd, Hailey Grotluschen in 36th and Jaela Anliker in 37th. Dorhout said the girls' team is gelling as a unit.
"These girls have so much fun together and they are a true team. They're setting goals to improve their times and places and getting better all the time."
Medaling in boys' JV was sophomore Bryce Dodge, who placed eighth.
"Bryce had a nice race as well," Dorhout said. "He is getting into shape and is improving his racing skills every week."
Other finishers in the boys' JV race were Gavin Faulkner in 15th place, George Vargas in 16th, Mitchell Meyers in 20th and Connor Pasillas in 21st.
"The boys' team is also making great strides," Dorhout said. "They are learning every week."
She added that the young teams are improving every day.
"I'm proud of the progress they have made over these past few meets. Cross country is a tough sport, one that requires extreme fitness and the kids are starting to get to that point. I'm excited for the rest of the year."
The Hawks will not return to action until Oct. 8 at the GLR/CL meet at George.
H-M-S INVITATIONAL
Girls' Varsity: Madison Otto, fourth (medal), 22:17; Lexi Croatt, 28th, 26:04; Ashleigh Vermeer, 33rd, 28:04; Hailey Grotluschen, 36th, 30:33; Jaela Anliker, 37th, 30:57.
Team Scores: G-LR/CL 50, Alta-Aurelia 74, Cherokee 75, Sioux Central 81, South O'Brien 81, H-M-S 134.
Boys' JV: Bryce Dodge, eighth (medal), 22:53; Gavin Faulkner, 15th, 26:39; George Vargas, 16th, 26:42; Mitchell Meyers, 20th, 28:30; Connor Pasillas, 21st, 30:28.
