March 29, 2024

Cardinal harriers finish strong, but no qualifiers

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CEDAR RAPIDS — Running in a tough Class 4A field in their state qualifying cross country meet Thursday, Newton High’s girls and boys had a strong finish to the 2016 season. No runners qualified for the state meet, but they turned in personal or season best times on the 5K course at Noel Ridge Park in Cedar Rapids.

The Cardinal girls finished eighth in the field of nine 4A teams in the state qualifying meet hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy. They scored 221 points.

Four of the top 15 ranked 4A girls’ cross country teams placed in the top four at the meet. Third-ranked Iowa City High won the team title with 37 points followed by 13th-ranked Linn-Mar in second with 78 points and seventh-ranked Muscatine in third and Cedar Rapids Kennedy, ranked 14th, in fourth, both with 81 points.

“I thought we might catch another team or two in the results, but it was not from a lack of effort. The girls gave their all in this last race, and that’s all that can be asked,” Newton head girls’ coach Rachelle Tipton said.

Newton’s boys were ninth with 239 points. Three ranked teams claimed the three team qualifying spots — 12th-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington won the meet with 43 points followed by No. 9 Iowa City High with 60 points for second and 13th-ranked Linn-Mar in third with 65 points.

“The season ended in the best fashion possible. All scoring runners came in with times that were personal records,” Newton head boys’ coach Steve Weeks said. “The boys knew they had a tough slate running an 4A district meet but still gave it their all in practice. We were a few points away from eighth place, but were still pleased with the personal results that we got with all the fantastic times. We hadn’t had a runner in the 17-minute marks until a few weeks ago and then to end the season with all scorers in the 17s and 18s was fantastic.”

The top three teams and top 15 individual finishers qualify for the Class 4A state cross country meet on Oct. 29 in Fort Dodge.

Sophomore Rachel Rhoads led the Cardinal girls with a 33rd-place time of 20 minutes, 51.23 seconds. Rhoads qualified for the Class 3A state meet a year ago, finishing 27th at the state meet.

“I know Rachel is disappointed in not returning to state, but she had a great sophomore season. She can take a lot to build on for next year — she’s not done yet,” Tipton said.

Junior Tessa Keeton turned in a personal-best time of 21:31.20 for 39th followed by sophomore Abbie Barr, who placed 46th in a season’s-best time of 21:58.87.

“Tessa got out and competed well today, she made a move near the first mile and didn’t look back. She beat some Ottumwa girls who had beaten her earlier this year,” Tipton said. “Abbie had another solid race and it was great to see her back under 22:00.”

Freshman Abby Altman and sophomore Caelyn Briley were 51st and 52nd in 22:28.57 and 22:33.23, respectively. Altman’s was a personal-best time and Briley had a season’s best time. Freshman Jenna Smith ran a personal-best time of 23:17.75 for 60th.

Tipton said Altman, Briley and an opponent had a fall right at the start of the race, out of sight of the starter so no restart. She said they popped back up and went on even more determined.

“I could see as they raced, it wasn’t going to deter them,” Tipton said. “Jenna looked awesome today, relaxed and just going with the competition. She ran the Des Moines Half Marathon on Sunday, and I told her these three miles would feel like nothing. A 2-minute personal-record to end the season is exciting.”

Iowa City High senior Mary Arch, who is ranked 15th, was the girls’ individual champion, running the course in 18:27.88. Cedar Rapids Kennedy freshman Ella Popenhagen, who is ranked No. 11, was second in 18:28.18, just ahead of Iowa City high sophomore Anna Lindower in third at 18:28.64.

In the boys’ 5K race, sixth-ranked Linn-Mar senior Ryan Murphy claimed the individual title with a time of 15:57.06. Iowa City High senior Mattew Dodge was second in 16:02.05 and 22nd-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington senior Sam McDermott in third at 16:02.70.

Newton junior Jack Callaghan paced the Cardinal boys, finishing 36th in 17:20.01. Senior Noah Sander placed 44th in 17:38.82 and sophomore Adam Hunter finished 47th in 17:42.49.

Juniors Tyler Dafflitto and Dylan Main placed 53rd and 59th, respectively, in 18:24.48 and 18:45.95. Freshman Luke Zaabel took 62nd in 19:33.77 and junior Brad Portner came in 63rd in 19:34.19.

“This is exactly how we want to end the year, with everyone healthy and hitting their peak running form,” Weeks said. “The dedication put into a very grueling two-week stretch paid off to the point the runners all seemed very excited for running in the off season and getting ready for next year. We have discussed off-season running and what it will take to take the team to greater heights.”

Weeks said the boys graduate Sander and Spencer Elbert, who have provided tremendous senior leadership for the Cardinals this season. He said the team returns six of the seven varsity runners for next year.

“The team will sorely miss these two as they have been huge impacts in the team scoring and in team unity. We wish them the best of luck and are grateful for having them on the team,” Weeks said. “We now look forward to the transitions into winter sports, off season training, and getting ready to get new runners from the middle school team who just finished their season by winning the Little Hawkeye Conference title.”

For the Newton girls, they ran the qualifying meet without any seniors. Tipton said the Cardinal girls are a young team and lots of potential for next year.

“We had ups and downs and bumps and bruises throughout this season, but we finished it out and ended on high notes,” Tipton said of the Newton girls. “I am proud of these girls for showing perseverance, staying positive, and being supportive of each other. From those who couldn’t finish out the season to our fastest girl, this is a team and a fun one.”

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com