EDINA — When Brainerd got back to the hotel they struggled with the stream to listen to the awards ceremony.
As the team finally got it to work they heard “Brainerd” come across the computer. Once Brainerd's kick team realized it was a third-place finish at state they were ecstatic.
“I can’t even tell you how excited they were,” Warriors head coach Cindy Clough said. “We were thinking it was like sixth, fifth or fourth, but then it flashed third and the kids were just screaming.”
The Warriors kick team scored a 450 out of 500 in the Class 3A State kick competition, which was third behind second-place Wayzata (457) and state champions Eastview (476).
“It’s usually pretty close and to finally medal is great,” Clough said. “We had some great practices and the kids were really pushing and kicked it into the gear the last few weeks. Our energy really topped it out.”
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The performance was a good way to end a season that saw many different challenges.
Clough said it was an advantage to be there the two days and be comfortable with the state setup going into kick. The Warriors jazz finished sixth the day prior.
“Having kick be second always has a calming effect and makes it more comfortable,” Clough said. “Normally, we aren’t strangers to the state floor so we know what to expect. This year, it was at a new facility so it was different and it was nice to get in there on jazz day.”
The thing that stands out to Clough about this season is gratefulness.
“They really showed that by how hard they worked together this year,” Clough said. “It’s been a great group of kids. I think when you think your season might end early with COVID you become more grateful.”
State Results
Class 3A Kick: 1-Eastview 476, 2-Wayzata 457, 3-Brainerd 450, 4-Chaska 443, 5-Lakeville North 438, 6-Eden Prairie 423, 7-Anoka 411, 8-Lakeville South 400, 9-Spring Lake Park 400, 10-Mounds View 384, 11-Centennial 386, 12-Sauk Rapids 378
CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.
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