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The Class C defending state champion Boone Central/Newman Grove girls cross country team continued its impressive 2015 season Friday with a second consecutive Mid-State Conference championship at Pierce.
Unlike a year ago, however, when BC/NG nipped Crofton and Wayne by just a single point on its home course, the Lady Cards turned back their rivals by a comfortable margin this time around behind three Top 10 runners. Boone Central/Newman Grove also got a fifth-place performance by Thomas Hosford and placed fourth – just two points back of third-place Norfolk Catholic – in the boys team standings.
“We had another really consistent meet. Since this was a smaller meet, the kids knew that running a fast time was secondary to beating the right opponents – and they did just that!” praised Cardinal Coach Tom Dickey. “The girls ran really well without running terrifically fast. They held off moves by any of the girls from Crofton and Wayne.”
Senior Ashlynn Baker continued to pace the Cardinals at Pierce, placing second in her first Mid-State meet. Christina Stopak was on her heels in third and Taylor Starman captured sixth place.
Boone Central/Newman Grove won the title handily with 24 points, 13 in front of Crofton.
“The boys kept things going after their great race at Atkinson last week,” Dickey added. “Their confidence grows each week.”
Along with Hosford’s effort, Al Bader gave the Cardinals a second runner in Friday’s Top 10, placing 10th, and Will Dyer just missed with an 11th-place run.
Boone Central/Newman Grove will be seeking team and individual state berths Thursday when the Cardinals compete in the C-3 District meet at Hastings.
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