Tigers run at State Cross Country

KEARNEY — Friday, Oct. 22, was the 50th running of the State Cross Country meet at Kearney.  The weather was in the 60s, much improved over the conditions a year ago when the high temp was lower 30’s.

Osmond’s two runners lined up with 131 other runners ready to start the race.  After the first mile, Gavin Geneski was in ninth place and Robert Aschoff was in 71st place.

Running through the hills of the course’s second mile, positions changed.  For the Tigers, Gavin dropped back to 24th place, not that far from the leaders.  Robert had moved up 11 positions to 60th place with a mile left.

On the final straight and coming into the finish line as the runners kicked it in, Gavin was passed by a few runners, including Eckert of Elkhorn Valley and Tretter of Leyton.  Gavin finished in 29th place in a time of 18:14.5. Tylan Schlueter of Ainsworth won the race in 16:40.2.

Robert ran a solid third mile and passed two runners, Brosius of St. Patrick and Hinman of Hemingford on the way to the finish.  He placed 58th in a time of 19:03.0.

“We ran pretty well and the guys really went for it,” complimented Coach Joe Ortmeier.  “Gavin’s early part of the race was good and Robert had a nice last mile.

“The boys’ and girls’ teams had nice seasons.  Everyone improved from meet to meet and practiced well every day.  We will miss our seniors: Riley Wagner, Kaden Polt, Bodie True, and Hunter Beacom. We will return a strong group of underclassmen for both teams.”