By Steve Morris

Rush City Senior Josh Dahl and freshman Laura Hestbeck had strong showings at the state cross country meet Nov. 4.

Considering the time of year, the weather was a welcoming 50 degrees for runners and spectators.

At 10 a.m. the class A boys started their race.

Dahl, who was running in his first state meet, finished in 17:29, earning his best time of the year. His finished 74th out of 158 runners in his class.

ìEverybody went out really fast in the beginning,î Dahl said.

Coach Smith was happy with how his six-year veteran runner performed at the meet.

ìHe worked his butt off to get here,î Smith said. ìHe still has his racing future in front of him and we hope he pursues it.î

Coming in first place overall in the boys class A race was junior Kevin Lachowitzer of Perham who finished with a time of 15:54.9.

When Dahl completed his race, Smith and assistant coach Mike Vaughn had Hestbeck to prep for her big race.

Hestbeck finished in 129th place out of 151 runners in the girls class A, with a time of 17:09.

Winning the class A girls race was senior Nikki Swenson of Lac qui Parle Valley in a time of 14:23.6.

Hestbeck said the course was difficult because of the large hills at the end of the course. She said her strategy entering the race was to get up front with the lead girls and stick with them as long as possible.

ìShe tried to lock into some of the section and conference girls she knows,î Smith said. ì

Now that Hestbeck has a taste of the state cross country meet, she knows she will have to continue to keep at it and hopefully make it back next season, with the team.

ìHard work pays off,î she said.

Comment from sheila slifka, 11/9/06

I was there to cheer my niece on. It was a lot of fun. we are all proud of Laura. Nice article!! Laura's Aunt Sheila

Comment from Dave Winfrey, 11/9/06

Way to go Laura!!! We are very proud of you. Dave, Maureen, Kayla & Mara Winfrey

Comment from Mary Eileen & Wally Newton, 11/9/06

Laura we love you and are proud of you. You are not only a great runner but a wonderful person as well.
Love, Grandma & Grandpa

Comment from Erin Harer, 12/22/06

Congratulations Laura!!