November 13, 2017 at 10:18 a.m.
Dodge-Point boys win silver at XC state
Before the co-op was formed, Dodgeville won the state meet Small Schools Division in 1967 and 1972. They were runners-up in 1973 in the Medium Schools Division, competing in that division for the first time, against many schools over twice their size. Then, they took second in Division 2 in 2010.
Valders took the team title running away with 60 points to Dodge-Point's 99. Taking third with 116 points was last year's runners-up in Port Washington.
Valders went into the meet ranked at the top of D2 while Dodge-Point was ranked third.
The rest of the 16-team scoring was: Notre Dame 122, La Crosse Logan 193, McFarland 196, Jefferson 213, Lakeland 222, Medford 242, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau 257, East Troy 261, Wisconsin Lutheran 269. Cedar Grove-Belgium 286, Grafton 288, Osceola 308, Saint Croix Central 348.
Senior Gerrit Bakker was the first to cross the finish line for Dodge-Point when he came in 15th (28th overall) in 17:04. Sophomore Henry Keith was right behind at 16th (29th) in 17:06.
Also running together were senior Isaac Grunow, 21st (41st) in 17:16 and sophomore Peyton Tranel, 22nd (42nd) in 17:16.
Not too far behind was their final scorer in senior Juan Navarro, who was 25th (48th) in17:20.
Junior Dylan McGraw finished 49th (85th) in 17:58 and senior Jordan May was 60th (98th) in 18:08.
Dodgeville coach Denny McGraw talked about the day: "It was a great day to be a Dodge-Point Cross Country runner and fan on Saturday at the state meet in Wisconsin Rapids. Lindsay Johnston ran in the Division 2 race as an individual and ran very well. She is a hard-working runner who put it all together at the right time of the year to make it to state. We are very proud of her accomplishments.
"The boys ran a tremendous race and finished 2nd at the state meet. They put together quite a race to make it to the podium for the first time since 2010. These boys have been on a mission all year long and to bring home hardware from the state meet is something they will never forget.
"Senior Gerrit Bakker ran a tremendous race. He has been focused all season and it really came together at the state meet. Gerrit's success in track helped in his decision to run cross country and these past two years has shown that he made a great choice.
"Sophomore Henry Keith had an exceptional race. His pacing throughout the race (and all year long) has really been key in this team becoming better and better. We know Henry has a great future in running and we can't wait to see all that he will accomplish.
"Senior Isaac Grunow has been an outstanding runner all four years and showed that at the state meet. His miles and miles during the summer shows what hard work can accomplish. His leadership and positive attitude was phenomenal.
"Sophomore Peyton Tranel had a marvelous run. He made a great move to finish so well. This was his first year on the cross country team and his efforts all year have made a big difference in the team doing so well.
"Senior Juan Navarro has also been an outstanding runner all four years. He was relaxed and determined throughout the race. His leadership and talent made a huge impact on how well this team did.
"Junior Dylan McGraw kept improving all year and was a key member of this team. He has gained confidence that will help him be a leader on the team next year.
"Senior Jordan May ran one of his best races of his career. He had to be so proud to help his team do so well.
"Sophomore Will Borne-Mumm was the alternate on the state team.
"The boys this year were an exceptionally hardworking group. They came together as a TEAM and you never knew who was going to be the first runner from week to week. And, that didn't matter to them...they only wanted to see the team do well. They went to a running camp this summer that helped develop a bond and team attitude that just kept growing all season long. What an exceptional group of young men that did themselves and the entire school proud. We really want to thank all the senior girls and boys for their leadership this year.
"The teams want to thank their parents, teammates, and fans who came to the state meet. It was one of the largest crowds we have ever had. We also want to thank the Dodgeville fire department who escorted us after the sectional and state meets. Being brought in with fire trucks and the crowd that greeted us helped to make it even more memorable.
Lakeland senior Kavanaugh FitzPatrick won the race in 15:52 with two Valders seniors, Cody Meyer and Trevor Wenzel, both finishing in 16:00 and taking second and third.
In Division 2 girls, Dodgeville-Mineral Point's lone entrant - junior Lindsay Johnston - finished 81st out of the field of 150 with a time of 21:11.
Gale Ettrick-Trempealeau junior Dana Fayen won in 18:39 with Wisconsin Dells sophomore Laura Beghin next in 18:52. Prairie du Chien finished 12th in the team standings with 256 points.
Freedom won with 68 over Wisconsin Dells at 98.
