The art of peaking goes far beyond running your best times of the year. You also have to match the physical demands of running with the mental stress that big races create. The Wayzata girls blended the two beautifully as they were the first team to win three state titles in a row since the Duluth East dynasty of the 90's. The ladies ran four PR's which is extremely hard to do as race conditions many times do not match a best performance.
The team was led by Anna French who made a valiant effort to run with the Hasz sisters of Alexandria, who have become a powerhouse duo. Anna finished 7th going through the mile in 5:18, her fastest opening mile of her career. She probably gave up a few positions at the finish, but Anna showed a courageous spirit that any coach would have been proud of.
Following Anna was Annika Lerdall finishing 8th over-all, followed closely by Michaela Keller-Miller in 11th place. The trio actually scored less team points than last years top three, which provided a much needed cushion for their rookie state meet teammates. Both Annika and Michaela saved their best races of their careers for this years state meet, running personal bests on a day that looked as if the lady Trojans would have no margin for error.
As it turned out, the inexperienced four of Jaycie Thomsen, Sam Lettenberger, Melissa Drenckhahn, and Ellie Emerick stepped up big providing the support needed for the girls to win by 29 points. Thomsen provided the same consistent performance that she has produced all year. She pulled Lettenberger and Drenckhahn to new personal bests.
The ladies will now set their sites on a third trip to Oregon for Nike Nationals. But first, they will have to reprise their state meet effort over a 5k course in Sioux Falls, SD. The best teams from the Heartland region will come together Nov. 9th vying for the coveted trip out west.
Anna French finishing her last state meet of her career. She has led the Trojans to three state titles and a national championship.
Annika Lerdall and Michaela Keller-Miller running to 8th and 11th respectively. This was the third all-state honor for Michaela and second for Annika.
Jaycie Thomsen, followed by Sam Lettenberger over her right shoulder. Behind the pair is Melissa Drenckhahn and Ellie Emerick. This was the first state meet for the foursome and have grown by leaps and bounds this season.
The State Champs with all of their captains on the winners stage. .
The second year in a row both the boys and girls teams have captured state titles.
