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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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Warriors return six

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW: Cross country

By MIKE BIALKA

Sports Editor

The Brainerd Warrior girls' cross country team may not have a 2008 state meet performer returning but it does have six runners back from the Section 8-2A meet.

Three girls in that group have state meet experience from Brainerd's 3-year run of qualifying for state from 2005-07.

Megan Holmes and Anna Gessell have each run in three state meets and are only juniors.

Returning Brainerd girls from last year's Section 8-2A meet are, front row: Amanda Finstad (left), Michaela Quast and Megan Holmes (back, left), Gretchen Kletscher, Anna Gessell, Rebecca Yeh. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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Girls' cross country

Head coach: Dave Herath, 17th season.

2008 finish: Second in CLC, fifth in section

Captains: Jenna Riley, Courtney Wing, Amanda Finstad

Assistant coaches: Carl Schirmer, Owen Trout.

Schedule

Sept. 3, Alexandria, St. Cloud Tech, Pillager at Brainerd Invite, Northland Arboretum, 10 a.m.

Sept. 11, at Bemidji Invite 1 p.m.

Sept. 17, at Little Falls Invite 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 21, at Pierz Invite 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 26, at University of Minnesota Invite

Oct. 1, at Albany Invite 4:10 p.m.

Oct. 8, Crosby-Ironton Invite at Ruttgers 3 p.m.

Oct. 13, at St. Cloud Invite 3 p.m.

Oct. 20, Conference championship at Willmar 3:25 p.m.

Oct. 29, Section 8-2A at Little Falls 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 7, State meet at St. Olaf College, Northfield

"Megan had a fantastic year," Warriors coach Dave Herath said. "Two days before the section meet she had some back spasms that (hampered) her section meet time. She had a great spring. She got nipped to go to state in the (1600). That lit some fire in her. She had an especially good summer training.

"Anna Gessell's in the same boat. We haven't had her at full strength for two years. She looks awesome.

"Both could easily be individual state meet participants, if they stay healthy and focused. They've been leading the way early on."

Senior Courtney Wing ran in the 2006 state meet and was a member of last year's section team. She heads a list of about 10 girls vying for the remaining five varsity spots.

Rebecca Yeh, Gretchen Kletscher, Michaela Quast and Amanda Finstad are also back from the section team.

"Our veteran runners look good," Herath said. "Courtney Wing has come on, as well as Gretchen Kletscher and Rebecca Yeh. A number of younger girls look good who don't have any varsity experience.

"It will be an interesting year for our girls. They know what it takes to get to state. Last year was the first in several that we haven't made it there. The girls would like to be back there, but the road isn't easy. There's a lot of internal competition. That usually translates into good things happening."

Herath hopes his team is in the running for the top two spots in the section and a state trip. Alexandria sophomore Jamie Piepenburg is the top-ranked runner in the preseason in 2A.

"(10th-ranked) Moorhead is the team to beat, and Alexandria has some top-end kids," Herath said. "Becker is always good. It's one of those deals where if you can survive the section you will do well at state, and that's the goal."

Warriors roster

Seniors: Jenna Riley, Courtney Wing, Amanda Finstad

Juniors: Anna Gessell, Claire Grimm, Megan Holmes, Rachael Howard, Jordan Hulsether, Laura Huss, Brigitte Johnson, Karlie Manton, Katie Pohl, Jenna Ruzich, Rebecca Yeh, Natalie Zimmerman

Sophomores: Gretchen Kletscher, Maria Comeau, Chelsie Manton, Machaela Quast

Freshmen: Alex Olson, Sophie Campbell, Sarah Fairbanks

MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.

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