Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Manson Northwest Webster's Alyssa Richman competes on Thursday at Lakeside. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Alyssa Richman already knows what it takes to run on the state course at Lakeside.

On Thursday, Richman was able to do it against the state’s biggest schools.

The Manson Northwest Webster sophomore, who placed 33rd in the Class 1A state meet a year ago, placed 20th in the Fort Dodge Invitational on Thursday.

“While running, it gave me a great opportunity to really absorb the state course and figure out where and when I need to kick,” Richman said. “Hopefully I will find myself back in Fort Dodge in just a few weeks.”

Richman, who recently set the Cougars’ school record, crossed the tape in 19:28.7 against a slew of Class 4A and 3A opponents.

“The atmosphere in Fort Dodge was amazing,” Richman said. “There was great competition across the board, so being able to finish where I did feels so rewarding.

“We had a very quick turnaround as we had a meet on Tuesday, but being able to compete in a meet with larger schools means that there will always be people to run run with and that’s exactly how it went. I was definitely pushed mentally and physically, but it felt good to have so many bodies around me.”

Ankeny Centennial captured the team title with 118 points, as three Jaguar athletes were in the Top-15. Johnston (138) was the runner-up, followed by Ames (162), Waukee (172) and West Des Moines Dowling (182).

Ballard senior Paityn Noe ran a blazing 17:09.8 to capture the individual crown. Addison Dorenkamp (17:31.4) of Valley was second.

St. Edmond freshman Anna Lursen keeps dropping her time and set the school’s freshman record with a 20:09.1, passing Abby Landwehr on the list.

“I eyeballed the times and compared to what we had last year, and I’m excited to see what we can do,” Szalat said. “Anna has been running very well and she set the St. Edmond freshman record. She is 18 seconds away from the school record.”

The Gaels, who are fighting through some recent illness, had some solid times as well according to Szalat. St. Edmond got strong performances from Michaela Leiting (21:28.0), Ellie Knox (21:51.4), Hannah Landwehr (21:55.0), Anna Kolacia (23:23.5), Andee Barwin (24:06.6) and Gracie Rial (24:07.5).

“These girls are fighting some sickness,” Szalat said. “Gracie had a personal best and Ellie had a good time.

“I’m really excited about our performance.”

Rounding out the rotation for the Cougars was Preslie Oswald (84th in 20:54.9), Raygin Anderson (23:04.5), Bianca Aquino (25:37.2), Miranda Pohlman (26:25.6) and Samantha Aljets (31:31.4).

The Dodger girls did not run in the varsity race.