The Bulldogs showed a hint of their potential by defeating Montevideo, the third ranked team in the state, to win the 14-team meet at BBE.Clayton Lang placed the highest on the Paynesville team, taking fifth.
With the team victory came many fine individual performances, including fifth and sixth place finishes by Clayton Lang and Adam Utsch. Dan Pearson, a very welcome addition to this year's varsity team, came in 10th out of a field of 100 runners.
Riley Flanders ran an excellent race and finished as Paynesville's fourth runner, in 15th place. Eric Korman entered the chute 11 seconds later in 17th place, to make five of Paynesville's runners in the top 20.
Ryan Flanders and Eric Rausch upped their mediocre performances at Morris, finishing 28th and 34th, respectively.
"We ran very well. It indicates great team depth and many possibilities," said Coach Darrel Carstens.
This win helped the team realize their own potential and gave them motivation to continue improving their level of performance for the remainder of the season.
The Dogs ran Monday at Long Prairie and will race again Thursday, Sept. 16, at New London-Spicer. Don't miss the excitement!
Varsity team standings
1. Paynesville - 53
2. Montevideo - 69
3. Sauk Centre - 107
4. New London-Spicer - 108
5. Morris - 110
6. Albany - 114
7. St. John's Prep - 222
8. Litchfield - 235
9. ACGC - Inc.
10. BBE - Inc.
11. Holdingford - Inc.
12. BOLD - Inc.
13. BDRSH - Inc.
14. Minnewaska - Inc.
Individual results
5. Clayton Lang - 16:33
6. Adam Utsch - 16:39
10. Dan Pearson - 17:07
15. Riley Flanders - 17:19
17. Eric Korman - 17:30
28. Ryan Flanders - 17:54
34. Eric Rausch - 18:17
JV results
4. Travis Flanders - 18:29
21. Andrew Jones - 19:43