With a phenomenal time of 15:16, Hess defeated her closest competitor by over a minute. The field included four state-rated runners, and several traditionally strong teams. "I just went out hard and felt strong throughout the whole race," she commented. "I really liked the warm weather."
Also placing highly were Danny Lieser in 30th and Carin Frenchick in 33rd. Frenchick, a senior, had this to say about the famous hill at Morris: "It comes at the very beginning of the race, so I tried to dig in right away and attack it."
Mesa Frenchick ran hard as well, finishing in 44th. Erin Aagesen and Tiffany Rausch came in 61st and 65th, and Mellody Veldcamp placed 79th, completing the varsity team.
Three new team members ran in other races, and all placed well. Jenny Berg, a freshman, placed 22nd for junior varsity. Heather Christinsen took third in the eighth-grade race. Kim Hess took home a first place in the seventh-grade race. Her only comment, after her victory, was "Where's the water?"
Coach Darrel Carstens said, "I am happy with our performances, but I don't think we've come near our potential yet. We need to continue to improve throughout the season."
The Dogs will get their next opportunity to race tomorrow in Brooten at 4:30 p.m.
Varsity team standings
Individual results
1. Marshall - 67
2. Wadena- Deer Creek - 91
3. Morris- Hancock -103
4. Minnewaska -140
5. Pelican Rapids -148
6. Paynesville -169
7. Perham -172
8. NLS -186
9. Sauk Centre -186
10. Canby ML -187
11. Montevideo -300
1. Jen Hess -15:16
30. Danielle Lieser -18:30
33. Carin Frenchick -18:35
44. Mesa Frenchick -19:00
61. Erin Aagesen -19:54
65. Tiff Rausch -20:01