—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Algona’s Moriah Knapp runs during the Class 3A state meet at Lakeside on Friday. Knapp placed 13th. For more photos, visit CU at messengernews.net

Moriah Knapp’s return to the state cross country meet was exactly what the Algona junior needed.

A year after finishing 51st in her first state appearance, Knapp jumped up to the medal stand on Friday at Lakeside in Class 3A.

“My goal was to get on the podium, so I met that,” Knapp said. “I also ran a personal best of 19:35. Last year I finished 51st so (today’s) race proved that all of my hard work that I have put in since last season has paid off.”

Knapp placed 13th, running a personal best 19:35. Six seniors placed ahead of Knapp.

“My race went as planned,” Knapp said. “I got a strong start and I stayed there for the whole race.

“I feel satisfied with 13th place.”

With one season remaining, Knapp has bigger plans for her final run.

“This season will set me up well for next year,” Knapp said. “I have even bigger goals for my senior season.”

Ballard’s Paityn Noe (18:12) was the individual champion, while ADM’s Geneva Timmerman (19:06) placed second.

Solon was the team champion with 77 points, followed by Ballard (103), Dallas Center-Grimes (127), Western Dubuque (165) and Mount Vernon (199).

On the boys side, Knapp’s classmate Ryan Stundahl finished in 17:12, placing 32nd.

“Overall the race went well,” Stundahl said. “I’m happy wiith my placement, as I did better than I thought.

“For this next coming year I feel a lot better knowing that I can properly set up for it.”

Humboldt’s senior duo of Trevor Jacobson and Jackson Chambers also competed in the 3A race.

Jacobson placed 43rd in 17:28 and Chambers (17:59) was 90th.

“I’m really excited about how they both have run this year,” said Humboldt head coach Dean Clasen. “They qualfied with the team as sophomores and earned it themselves this season.

“You always hope for better, but they both ran great races and that’s what you want down there. It’s been exciting how they’ve progressed.”

Dallas Center-Grimes’ Aidan Ramsey (15:36) was the individual champion, followed by Center Point-Urbana’s Eli Larson (15:44).

DC-G (60) edged Marion (62) for the team championship. North Polk (153) was third, followed by Pella (161) and Solon (190).

The Dowling boys (56) captured the Class 4A team championship. Sioux City North (62) was runner up, followed by Iowa City CIty High (72), Johnston (140) and Cedar Falls (158).

Dowling’s Jackson Heidesch (15:24) was the individual champion, followed by Alexander McKane (15:30) of Iowa City West.

On the girls side, Dubuque Hempstead (108) won the 4A girls crown. Pleasant Valley (132) was the runner up, followed by Ames (141), Johnston (156) and Cedar Rapids Prairie (164).

Valley sophomore Addison Dorenkamp (17:55) claimed the individual crown, followed by teammate Kamryn Ensley (18:14).