Local runners give it their all at State Cross Country Meet

GHV’S Smith claims runner-up honors

Area runners had an impressive showing at the 2A State Cross Country meet held at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura boys team placed fourth overall, while solo runners, Tanner Storbeck and Gretchen Jones, from Clear Lake also placed well. 

It was a record-breaking season for the Cardinals as the boys placed the highest they ever have in school history.  Chase Smith’s second-place finish was also a GHV best.

“The entire varsity team returns next year, and I know they will be hungry to make a statement and take another shot at a championship,” said GHV Head Coach Erik Jolivette. 

The team finished with 147 points behind first place East Marshall, Legran.   Monticello and Unity Christian placed second and third respectively in the 15 team field.  

The team was lead by Chase Smith who finished second with a time of 16:18.7. Logan Dalbeck finished 19th in a time of 17:16.2. Other runners included Ray Cataldo, finishing 61st in 18:07.5; Johnathan O’Connor, 70th in 18:17.9; Austin Siegrist, 77th in 18:24.8; Derek Brown, 108th in 19:05.1; and Mason Wirtz, 121st in 19:25.5.

“We could not be more proud of this team and the accomplishments they achieved on and off the courses this fall,” said Jolivette. 

The Clear Lake cross country team had a fantastic showing at state as well, where both runners finished in the top half of all state contestants. 

Gretchen Jones finished 43rd in the girl’s race with a time of 16:37.  Tanner Storbeck finished 57th with a time of 18:02. 

“Both of these kids worked extremely hard this year,” said Clear Lake Head Coach Nick DiMarco. “It will be difficult to replace Tanner’s leadership and work ethic next year.  I will be excited to watch Gretchen develop into a top tier runner.”