The Seward cross country teams checked another “hadn’t been done before” box Sept. 28. The Bluejays won both the girls’ and boys’ team titles at the UNK Invite in Kearney and brought home eight individual medals.
“It’s hard to win this meet,” Coach Kurt Holliday said. “Eight medals is the most we’ve ever had.”
Part of the challenge is facing all but four of the Class B teams in Nebraska. Another is running the state cross country course.
The Seward boys scored 33 points, 20 ahead of second-place North Platte. Jackson Einspahr crossed the finish line first with a time of 15:53.3, the fastest time of the day, Holliday said.
“He’s running great,” the coach said.
Austin Koch finished eighth in 16:46.8, and Cale Greisen was 10th in 16:53.8, despite running on a broken toe.
“They have done everything we’ve asked of them,” Holliday said.
Holliday said Greisen won’t run at conference or districts but will continue to do as much as possible in the pool and on a bike to stay in shape. When state comes up, the coaches will see if he can run.
Mason Vest broke into the top 15, placing 14th in 16:59.7 and finishing in under 17 minutes for the first time.
“That put him in medal contention,” Holliday said.
Mason Luebbe wasn’t far behind, finishing 23rd in 17:29.2. Gabe Pomajzl ran a career best time of 17:45.1 to place 34th. Lucas Zitek and Kieran Einspahr were 37th and 38th, with Landon Samuels breaking 18 minutes for the first time.
Holliday said the team can continue to have success without Greisen in its lineup, but others will need to step up.
Haylen Holliday continues to lead the girls’ team, placing second in 19:34.1. She’s ranked No. 2 in the state, Coach Holliday said.
Lily Philips finished fifth in 20:00.4, with Jordyn Samuels 19th in 20:49.2 and Savannah Bauer 20th in 20:55.7. Samuels ran with Philips for most of the race but dropped back at the end, Coach Holliday said.
“If she can finish with Lily, I feel good about our chances,” he said. “We know she’s capable.”
He said Bauer also had a great race and keeps doing what she needs to.
The girls are ranked No. 2 in the state now and are in the picture for a potential state trophy.
“We’re very excited about where we’re at going into conference and districts,” Coach Holliday said.
Seward is scheduled to run at the Central Conference meet Thursday, Oct. 8, at Aurora. Races start at 4 p.m. Because other races were canceled last week, the conference is allowing unlimited entries.
“Some haven’t run in over a month,” Coach Holliday said. “This will be a good meet for kids to go out on.”
A last chance race is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Pioneers Park in Lincoln for those interested in running, he said. Districts are Thursday, Oct. 15, in Overton.
