Leading the charge was sophomore Adam Utsch who stepped it up to earn an impressive second place finish in 18:07. Paynesville’s second and third runners were Eric Rausch placing 12th in 19:26, and Ryan Flanders placing 13th in 19:34. Steve Gilk came in fourth for the Bulldogs, finishing 16th with a time of 19:51.
Travis Flanders took home a crucial 19th place finish in 20:07. The Bulldog’s sixth and seventh runners were Eric Korman placing 20th in 20:09 and Jamie Wendlandt placing 29th in 20:46.
Team standings:
1. Paynesville - 62
2. LPGE - 73
3. Albany - 76
4. Pierz - 76
5. Sauk Centre - 90
6. Minnewaska - inc.
7. BBE - inc.
8. Royalton - inc.
Individual results:
2. Adam Utsch - 18:07
12. Eric Rausch - 19:26
13. Ryan Flanders - 19:34
16. Steve Gilk - 19:51
19. Travis Flanders - 20:07
20. Eric Korman - 20:09
29. Jamie Wendlandt - 20:46
New London-Spicer meet
On Thursday, Sept. 17, at New London-Spicer the boys had yet another impressive performance, finishing fourth place as a team.
Captain Luc Trees ran well at this hot, muggy, rugged meet, placing fifth in 17:48. Adam Utsch did what he was told, and finished 11th with a time of 18:13.
The rest of the team ran as a vicious pack, with merely one opponent between each of Paynesville’s runners. Leading the pack was Eric Rausch with an outstanding performance, placing 21st with a time of 19:04. Travis Flanders also had an excellent race, placing 23rd in 19:10. Along with the others, Eric Korman showed great improvement, finishing 25th in 19:22. Ryan Flanders finished 27th in 19:28, and Steve Gilk placed 29th in 19:37.
In addition to overall time improvement, the boys are showing good advancement in the team standings. Earlier in the season there was a 38-point difference between NLS and Paynesville, and recently only an eight-point difference. If this kind of improvement can continue, the Bulldogs may possibly be seeing some post- season action.
Team standings:
1. Redwood Falls - 42
2. Willmar - 75
3. NLS - 77
4. Paynesville - 85
5. Annandale - 112
6. LQPV - 140
7. Litchfield - 192
8. Minnewaska - 215
Individual results:
5. Luc Trees - 17:48
11. Adam Utsch - 18:13
21. Eric Rausch - 19:04
23. Travis Flanders - 19:10
25. Eric Korman - 19:22
27. Ryan Flanders - 19:28
29. Steve Gilk - 19:37