The Andes Central/Dakota Christian Thunder Cross Country Runners completed their regular season at the Parkston Invite last Thursday, October 4, and are at the Regional Meet today in Freeman. Coach Larry Lucas is hopeful that most of the team will qualify for the State Meet in Sioux Falls on October 20. “We’ve had a very successful season backed with hard work and dedication. Isabella Brouwer has the fastest time in the Region and should be the Region Champ. That’s a big deal, especially for someone only in her second year of distance running.”

Earning medals at the Parkston Meet were Isabella in 3rd place, running her personal best of 19:11 and Hannah Hansum, 12th in 21:59. “Both girls competed extremely well. Isabella ran a good close race with standout runners Sidda Schuyler of Winner and Lindsey Roth of Ethan/Parkston, and Hannah was over two minutes faster than on this same course a year ago.”

Peter Backes is working hard to become a strong 5K runner and finished 24th with a time of 20:24. It is a time that should put him close to the top twenty at the Region Meet.

The 6th Grade Elementary runners finished their season with Kalee Dykshorn placing a strong second and Taliyah Hopkins close behind in 4th. Ryder Niewenhuis placed 16th in the Elementary Boys Race.