by Stephanie Croston
scroston@sewardindependent.com
Overall, Oct. 13 was a good day for Milford’s cross country teams, Coach Michele Kontor said.
“They performed up to or beyond what we expected,” she said.
Both the boys’ team (district champion) and girls’ team (third place) qualified for the Class C state meet. This is the fifth consecutive year that has happened, Kontor said.
The boys’ team edged Lincoln Christian by three points for the championship.
This was the eighth district title and 12th time qualifying for state since 20007, Kontor said.
Gavin Dunlap was the top finisher, placing third in 16:59.21 and breaking 17 minutes for the first time.
“That was huge. He has steadily gotten better. He’s stronger and more confident,” Kontor said. “He’s in a great position to medal at state.”
Hudson Mullet finished seventh, Avery Carter eighth and Kaleb Eickhoff 10th for MHS. Dane Kolb and Jack Stahl were outside the medals, but Kolb’s time was a personal best.
Kontor said Eickhoff has been battling some soreness.
The district had just four full girls’ teams compete, while other schools brought fewer runners. Lincoln Christian and Auburn were the teams to beat.
Milford finished in third with 53 points, even without its top runner. Lilly Kenning was unable to finish the race because of an injury.
“I was proud of the remaining girls,” Kontor said.
Victoria Mink was 14th, Eliza McGuire 15th and Ellison Piening 16th. Mink, Piening and Ady Kroese ran career best times, and McGuire and Rebecca Freeman were close to their bests, the coach said.
“After the first mile, there were gaps,” Kontor said. “There was no one to catch, and no one could catch them.”
For both McGuire and Mink, this is the second time they have qualified individually.
“There was a big gap to Auburn, but they showed a lot of grit and fortitude,” Kontor said.
The Class C state meet will begin with the boys at 12:30 p.m., and the girls will run at 1:30 p.m. Races are at the Kearney Country Club.
