SOUTH DAKOTA STATE MEET

Alea Hardie Runs 17:58 On The Snow To Lead O'Gorman Girls

By Mary Albl of DyeStat 

Photo courtesy John Krogstrand/SDHSAA

A snowy October backdrop in the Black Hills was the setting Saturday for the South Dakota High School Cross Country Championships. The weather shifted the timing of the races at Hart Ranch in Rapid City, but did not stop runners from some fast times.

Junior Alea Hardie of O’Gorman repeated as the Class AA winner, guiding her team to a state title. Hardie’s time of 17:58.7 was the fastest of the day, while teammate Katie Castelli was second (18:24.9). O’Gorman placed four runners in the top 10 to edge out defending champion Sioux Fall Lincoln, 51-56.

In the boys Class AA race, Sioux Falls Lincoln boys repeated as state champions, scoring 43 points. Junior Josh Martin of Aberdeen Central, who finished in 10th place a year ago won the individual title in 15:55.3, nearly 50 seconds faster than last year and the second-fastest time of the day for any male runner.

Hill City freshman Abby Cutler, who finished runner-up a year ago, won the girls Class A race in 19:16.5. Hill City also ran away with the team title, scoring 32 points.

Senior Cody Farland of St. Thomas More won the boys Class A title, clocking 16:15.55. A year ago he finished 10th. The team title went to the Sioux Falls Christina boys once again, as they ran a near perfect race, placing five runners in the top 18, as sophomore Isaac Davelaar was runner-up (16:22.40). 

In the girls Class B race, eighth grader Hallie Person of Burke finished first in 19:24.02. Kimball/White Lake scored 33 points to claim the team title. 

In the Class B boys race, senior Cody Larson of Warner defended his title, as he clocked the fastest time of the day in 15:54.61. The Bison boys team went 2-3 on the way to securing the team title with 32 points.

State Champions  

Class AA - Sioux Falls Lincoln boys 43 points, O’Gorman girls 51 points – RESULTS

Class A - Sioux Falls Christian boys 26 points, Hill City girls 32 points – RESULTS

Class B - Bison boys 32 points, Kimball/White Lake girls 33 points - RESULTS