Cold temperatures coupled with a brisk wind made the Lakeside Golf Course at Fort Dodge a challenging venue for the Class 1A boys' state cross country meet on Oct. 27.

One of the competitors was Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn senior George Vargas, who had never been in a race with that level of competition and with as many fans to watch the runners.

"The atmosphere was unlike anything George had experienced in his career – the volume of the crowd, the amount of spectators present and the highest level of competition," Hawk coach Kirsten Taylor observed.

Vargas set a fast pace during the first two-thirds of the race but would settle back in the pack, finishing 99th overall in a time of 18:31.4.

"George started his first two miles the fastest he's ever run but couldn't quite sustain that pace for the entire duration of the race," Taylor said. "I know he wasn't entirely satisfied with his time but he did leave everything on the course, as he always does. He went out and rose to the competition and never backed down."

With 153 runners completing the race, Vargas's finish in his last high school race was a significant accomplishment.

"We end his career on a high note competing at the state meet and finishing in the Top 100. I am proud of his career efforts and for leading this program for so long," Taylor said.

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

H-M-S's George Vargas heads toward the final loop at the state cross country meet. The senior finished 99th with a time of 18:31.

Landon Bendgen, of Woodbine, won the Class 1A boys' state title, running a time of 15:55. Emerson Vokes, of Grundy Center (16:02), and Aidan Shannon, of Wapsie Valley (16:09) finished second and third.

Taylor is already looking forward to seeing more H-M-S runners compete at Fort Dodge.

"We are hoping to get more athletes out to the state meet next year. We only graduate George on the boys' side and return all of our conference team members," she noted. "Our girls' team is continuing to grow, but we will miss the leadership from seniors Lexi Croatt and Jocelyn Abonce. What a great season it was for the H-M-S cross country program."