Pioneers set career bests, qualify 12 for state XC

Boys earn district title, girls runner-up

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The Fort Calhoun Pioneers were really fast Thursday during the Class C District 1 cross-country meet.
“It was running like a track out there,” coach Kyle McMahon said.
The Pioneers qualified all 12 of their runners to the state meet with career best times, claiming a boys district title and girls runner-up finish at Sycamore Farms near Waterloo.
“That was just fantastic,” McMahon said, describing his team's showing. “It was fun watching them.”
Jacob Rupp led FCHS, setting a school record on his way to winning the 5-kilometer race. The junior stopped the clock in 16:13.9, besting second-place Gavin Smith of Boys Town by nearly 30 seconds.
Lance Olberding followed, finishing in 16:40 to take fourth. His brother, Ely, was eighth in 17:21.6 before senior John McKennan finished in 17:59.2 for 23rd. Luke Gustafson (27th) and Johnathon Schwarte (31st) came in next in 18:12.6 and 18:28.9, respectively.
The Fort Calhoun boys' effort won them the district title by 14 points. Louisville was second and Boys Town was third.
The Pioneer girls, meanwhile, were led by freshman Bria Bench, who claimed fourth place in 19:41.8.
“I think she'll be even stronger next week,” McMahon said.
Dala Drowne and Tessa Skelton also logged top times, earning eighth and 14th, respectively. Drowne, a sophomore, crossed the finish line in 20:14.8, while Skelton, a junior, did so in 20:47.7.
“Our four, five and six (runners) are really coming on strong,” McMahon said of his next three FCHS finishers.
Kaitlyn Thalman was 31st in 22:51.1, while Rowan Roehr and Kylie Perfetti claimed 34th and 46th. Roehr finished in 23:25.1 and Perfetti did in 25:30.3.
The Pioneers next compete Friday at the NSAA State Championships at Kearney Country Club. The Class C girls race begins at 1:30 p.m. before the boys' at 2.
McMahon believes both Calhoun team could contend for top-5 finishes should they perform as they did at Sycamore Farms.

Fort Calhoun XC