SOUTH DAKOTA STATE MEET

Birnbaum, Bainbridge Run Away From Competition In South Dakota

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Simeon Birnbaum's first big stop in the postseason was more about helping Rapid City Stevens defend the South Dakota Class AA team title than it was seeking out personal glory. 

Birnbaum, the sub-four miler and DyeStat No. 11 individual, has more to look forward to in November and December. 

On Saturday at Huron, Birnbaum won his second straight individual title in 15:16.1 and won the race by 54 seconds. Stevens, which had to patch up the lineup this season due to heavy losses due to graduation, hung on for a score of 122 points to beat Yankton (142) and Sioux Falls Lincoln (146). 

Ali Bainbridge from Lincoln, who was fourth at the Roy Griak Invitational, moved up one spot and won her first state cross country title in 17:26.0. She was 24 seconds ahead of Libby Castelli from O'Gorman. 

Stevens edged out Brandon Valley, 96 to 100, to win the girls championship. 

Sawyer Clarkson of Belle Fourche maintained his dominance in the Class A in the day's second-best time, 15:30.2. He was 36 seconds clear of teammate Lane Krautschun. The 1-2 finish helped Bell Fourche win the team title with 38 points. 

Sioux Falls Christian rolled to an easy win in the girls A division, scoring 30 points. Isabelle Bloker from Sioux Valley won the race in 18:32.6. 

Josiah Schroeder from Canistota ran 16:38.2 for a decisive victory in the Class B boys race. Philip put its three scorers in the top 12 and won the team title with 20 points. 

Emery Larson, a freshman from Chester Area, won the girls B race in 18:15.2 for the fourth-fastest time in the entire meet. She won by 64 seconds. 

Potter County was the first team with three finishers, and won the team title with 24 points.

State Champions  

Class AA - Rapid City Stevens boys 122 points, Stevens girls 96 points – RESULTS

Class A - Belle Fourche boys 38 points, Sioux Falls Christian girls 30 points (scoring 4) – RESULTS

Class B - Philip boys 20 points, Potter County girls 24 points (scoring 3) - RESULTS