Spartans run in Menomonie

The Superior High School cross country team competed in the 33rd annual Menomonie Relays Saturday afternoon.

The event consists of three separate varsity races with the total times of the top five runners determining the scores.

The Spartan boys finished fifth while the SHS girls fell victim to an injury and illness in finishing eighth.

Hudson won the boys event and River Falls was the top girls team.

“The course was a challenge to say the least,” SHS coach Dan Conway said. “It was very hilly, with steep, rocky roads and trails, but it will make us better in the long run.”

Superior’s Shane Holmes, Robert Murphy and Levi Felton received medals for placing in the top four of their respective races.

For the SHS girls, two of its top three runners either didn’t start or didn’t finish the race. No. 1 runner Nicole Olson sprained an ankle coming down a steep and eroded road and was out of the race.

Abby McCall was ill before the race and was not allowed to run.

“The remaining girls, although short-handed, ran very well,” Conway said.

Megan Place and Catie Albrecht received medals for placing in the top four of their race.

The Spartans have two meets this week, Tuesday at Rice Lake and Thursday at the Northwestern Invitational at the Norwood Golf Course. Both events begin at 4 p.m.

SPARTAN SPIN: Eau Claire Memorial’s Tyler Heinz was the fastest boy in 16:46. Superior’s top runner was Andy Heytens, 18:42. ... Menomonie’s Jordan Kelch won the girls race in 15:41. Albrecht was the top Spartan in 17:17.

33rd Annual Menomonie Relays

Boys Team Scores

Hudson 29, Eau Claire Memorial 43, River Falls 79, Rice Lake 141, Superior 155, Menomonie 160, Eau Claire North 183, Tartan 193, Chippewa Falls 215.

Superior’s Results

18. Andy Heytens, 18:42; 25. Shane Holmes, 18:54; 34. Matt Swanson, 19:33; 37. Will Gedde, 19:39; 41. Robert Murphy, 19:51; 43. Levi Felton, 19:52; 54. Brandon Westmoreland, 20:37; Samuel Zurian, 20:41.

Girls Team Scores

River Falls 57, Tartan 60, Eau Claire Memorial 78, Hudson 98, Menomonie 106, Eau Claire North 150, Chippewa Falls 151, Superior 216, Rice Lake 280.

Superior’s Results

30. Catie Albrecht, 17:17; 32. Megan Place, 17:24; 49. Alicia Stack, 18:44; 52. Ashlee Knight, 19:07; 53. Alyssa Maki, 19:17; 61. Marissa Foley, 20:34.

Tags: superior, high, school, cross, country, team