Rams’ Berglund sixth at state cross country

Glenwood’s Grace Berglund finished sixth at the Iowa State Cross Country Meet Saturday in Fort Dodge.

Running for her fourth time at the state meet, Berglund got off to a quick start on the Kennedy Park course, and stayed at or near the front of the pack for the entirety of the 3A race to win her third career medal. She placed eighth as a freshman, sixth as a sophomore and then 23rd last season.

“Grace’s entire race was incredible,” said Glenwood coach Marissa Klindt. “She got out really well at the start,  so she wouldn’t get boxed in with the pack. Even with the large crowd, she was listening for my coaching and made moves when she saw the opportunity. She was running anywhere from fourth to seventh for much of the race.”

As impressive as Berglund was in her pace-setting start, Klindt was perhaps even more impressed by the back half of her race.

“She was able to push her pace and finished with her best state Meet time that she’s ran in her four years there,” Klindt said.  “I couldn’t be more proud of her, and I am so excited for her future.” 

Mount Vernon-Lisbon’s Evelyn Moeller ran a 17:07 to top the girls field. The senior edged Pella’s Elsie Brenneman by over 30 seconds to win her title.

But Pella won the 3A girls war with five top 11 finishers to grab the team title with 34 points. Des Moines Christian was second with a 127.

Glenwood freshman Deagan Stanely made his state debut on Saturday but drew a “did not finish” in the boys race after what Glenwood boys head coach coach Todd Peverill said was his “legs giving” out causing him to fall and being unable to finish. 

Stanley’s premature end to his first state meet was especially disappointing considering he was off to a great start placing among the top 30 runners within the first mile and then posting a personal-best two-mile split of 10:26 while still in the top 37, 3 seconds faster than his goal and another personal best, according to Peverill. 

“When I spoke to him at the campsite, he expressed disappointment but also appreciated the experience,” Peverill said. “He recognized what he needed to improve for next year, stating that he needs to manage his nerves and become more mentally resilient.”

Stanley is the Rams’ first boys freshman to qualify for state as an individual since the state went to the 5K format in 1987.

“This experience was valuable not only for Deagan but also for his teammates –Lucas Kauffman, Cole Berglund, Jaxton Long, and Ben Gangwish – who came to support him,” Peverill said. “Their presence will help reduce their nerves when we qualify as a team for the state meet next year.”  

Gilbert’s Logan Bleich and Jacob Tallman finished first and second to help the Tigers capture the boys team title with a score of 98. Bleich ran a 15:12 for top honors.