Posted: 11/6/02

Blink of an eye separates FL teammates

Berk Brown
Sports Editor

Not much separated Laura Edlund and Kristen Howe at the 2002 Minnesota State High School League AA Girls Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

About the same amount of time it takes to blink your eye. Thatís all that separated the Forest Lake juniors at the finish line.

Edlund finished 47th in the race in 16:19.9, just edging ahead of Howe in the final meters. Howe was 48th in 16:20.2.

For the most part, the pair ran right next to each other on the 4,000-meter course at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

Edlund initially took a lead then Howe caught and passed her, only to have the favor returned at the end.

ìThey both ran well. Theyíre both happy with their races,î Forest Lake coach Janet Howe said. ìThe course was running slower. It was slick and muddy so the times are a little different.î

The course was in fact running slower. Edlund, who placed 31st last year, and Howe, who was 38th a year ago, were each about 50 seconds slower than last year.

That, however, was the norm. In fact, the times Edlund and Howe posted a year ago would have been good for a top-10 finish this year.

Big Lake freshman Breanna Carey was the individual champion, finishing the race in 14:57.4, which was easily the best time.

Even though it really wasnít the plan to have Edlund and Howe running that close together, the Forest Lake coach said it worked out well.

ìThat wasnít the plan...but they do a good job of pushing and pulling each other,î Janet Howe said. ìIt was a really good field. It was a fun race to watch.î

Howe said she hopes to have the entire team in the field next year. Forest Lake has finished third four straight years at the section meet.

After qualifying just individuals each of the last three years, Howe said she wants the entire team in Northfield in 2003.

ìOur goal is to get the team here next year,î she said. ìWe need to change some expectations for the summer training. Hopefully we can bring the whole team next time.

ìWeíre getting closer and closer each year. Weíve got to seize the opportunity while we still have so many talented runners.î

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