The boys were unable to advance to the state meet with their fifth place finish. The top two teams from the meet on Friday advanced to the state championship. They were Staples-Motley and Albany.
The team did have a good season, however, with almost three times as many wins as losses. The Bulldogs were the runners-up at the meet in New London and one of the meets here in Paynesville.
The team's first runner at the section meet was once again junior Dan Johnson. Johnson ran well with a 20th place finish. He will be an important member of the team next year.
Senior Matt Jorgensen made a last- minute surge at the end of the race to become the team's second runner in 27th place. Doug Utsch, also a senior, was close behind him in 28th place.
Freshman Luke Trees was fourth for the Bulldogs, in 29th place. Aaron Wendlandt was in 30th place. The team's second through fifth runners crossed the line within five seconds of each other.
Andrew Heinen and Ryan Louis finished with 33rd and 42nd places.
The team would like to thank all of the fans who came to the meets this year and also the parents who gave so much support.
Special thanks to Jodi Fuchs who helped with the bookkeeping at every race.
The boys would like to send their congratulations to the girls' team, who also had a fine season.
Thank you very much to coach Darrel Carstens who brought so much energy and excitement to the team. Also thanks to coach Rick Houske for his time and Ole and Lena jokes, and to Bill Ochs for his time and incredible knowledge of running and coaching.
Team standings
1) Staples-Motley, 28
2) Albany, 73
3) Morris, 76
4) Wadena-Deer Creek, 122
5) Paynesville, 134
6) New London-Spicer, 136
7) Pierz, 153
8) LPGE, 196
Individual results
20) Dan Johnson, 18:43
27) Matt Jorgensen, 19:00
28) Doug Utsch, 19:02
29) Luke Trees, 19:04
30) Aaron Wendlandt, 19:05
33) Andrew Heinen, 19:10
42) Ryan Louis, 19:40