By Bruce Karnick

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Hastings Cross Country recently ran at the Farmington invitational on the grounds of the Dakota County Fair. The invite consisted of 20 teams on the boy’s side with a total of 260 runners. On the girl’s side, there were 20 teams and 206 total runners. The boys finished fifth overall with a score of 155. The girls finished ninth overall with a score of 273. Individual results are in the graphics below courtesy of www.fastfinishresults.com, which is where you can also view the entire meet details.

There is an aspect to these athletes that you cannot fully appreciate until you stand at the finish line. These kids give every ounce of their energy to run as hard as they can over the course of 5,000 meters (3.107 miles). Physically pushing themselves to the point of collapse five steps after they finish. The mental fortitude these young adults have to not only keep pushing, but to keep pushing with the knowledge of when they finally finish, their body is simply going to stop working on them for a minute or two while someone else cares for them is beyond inspiring. Their coaches and teammates are waiting for them to help them, support them, and protect them when they are vulnerable for those grueling 90 seconds is a testament to the team aspect for a sport that relies on individuals to perform well for the team.

Parents, if you have kids in need of a fall sport that is supportive, affordable and teaches life lessons, sign them up for cross country.

The youngest runner on the girls varsity roster, Carlee Kordosky (L) and Jaylyn Pistner (R) sprint to the finish in Farmington. Photo by Bruce Karnick