BURST OF ENERGY
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Cael Hansen doesn't want the Fort Dodge Invitational to be the only time he runs at home in his final season.
The senior turned in the fastest time in a decade for the program at Lakeside Golf Course on Thursday.
The Dodger placed 42nd, finishing in 16:31.9 – 33 seconds faster than his career best (17:04).
As Hansen progresses and continues to drop time, he holds out hope that he’ll be back inside Kennedy Park a few weeks from now at the state cross country meet.
"It was a great breakout effort for Cael," said FDSH first-year head coach Austin Read. "We haven’t had a Dodger run in the 16s in a long time (since Ryan Wagner in 2016). He has a good chance to qualify, depending on who is in our state qualifier.
"It's a great way to progress with just two meets left."
The Dodgers placed 20th as a team. Dowling was the team champion with 53 points. Johnston (124) was second, followed by Dallas Center-Grimes (142), Waukee (152) and Ankeny Centennial (183).
Jayce Point followed with a time of 17:09.1 to place 82nd. Jones Hensley (17:42.4), Grant Maxson (18:44.4), Greyson Chance (20:00.0), Landon Waynar (20:05.5) and Myles Summers (20:06.4) were next in line for Fort Dodge.
"The boys ran really well and we're starting to get where I knew they could get to," Read said. "Jayce had a sub 17 and everyone set a PR.
"With several meets left, it's encouraging to see. They ran really smart and balanced between being aggressive and efficient for three miles."
Over 1,800 runners competed in the Fort Dodge Invitational.
ST. EDMOND
Senior Erik Larson had a strong showing for the Gaels, knocking 36 seconds off his PR at 18:10.6.
"I'm really happy for Erik to go 36 seconds better as a senior," said St. Edmond head coach Mike Szalat. "He's put in the mileage and work, and is ecstatic that he’s seeing the fruits of his labor.
"Aidan had a great senior run too, cutting time off his PR as well. And Gordon getting close to his PR and Ethan as well."
Aidan Reel also clipped 15 seconds off his best time at 18:25.4.
"I'm excited on the boys side," Szalat said. "Seven out of our eight guys had PRs."
The Gaels were rounded out by Gordon Seeden (19:33.8), Ethan Cibert (21:03.2), Abram Ribbens (22:58.8), Ashton Kuker (23:07.9) and William Gubbels (23:24.6).
MANSON NW WEBSTER
The short-handed Cougars had four runners competing at Lakeside on Thursday.
Levi Ollinger was the top finisher, crossing the tape in 121st in a time of 17:38.2. Kyle Widlund (18:38.8), Logan Meyer (20:22.5) and David Nelson (21:06.6) followed for MNW, which was short four regulars due to either injury or illness.