C/M runners to take shot at state

The Canby/Minneota Girls Cross Country team last week won the Camden Conference Championship. This was Canby-Minneota’s first time beating LQPV-Dawson-boyd for the Girl’s Conference Championship since 2012.

The championship has fueled Minneota’s desire to place in the top two at Thursday’s Section 3A Championship at Madison. Both of the top two teams will advance to the state tournament the following week at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

Luverne is favored to win the girls’ title, but even if they win, second place and a trip to the state is still open.

Canby/Minneota is anchored by Grace Drietz, who is among the top three runners in Section 3A. Finished second for her team has been Braelyn Merritt, with McKenzie Ruether and Faith Traen normally coming in third and fourth.

Lately the fifth C/M runner has been seventh grader Claire Stoks to round out the runners who score.

Two youngsters, Nohemi Diaz and Rachel Wollum have also been running the varsity race. “What a great night for a race ... a bit windy and cold but ultimately a great night! “I’m so proud of each of our runners!

They all ran great races and ended the regular season well,” said Coach Allyson Pesek after the conference meet. Canby/Minneota had Drietz and Ruether in the state individually last year.

The only boy making state was Jared Josephson, who has since graduated. On the boys’ side, Canby/Minneota’s best shot at getting someone into state is Blake Stoks, the sophomore who has led the team all season.