Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

It seems early to be thinking about things like conference and section meets, but as the calendar inches toward mid-October, that’s exactly where the Forest Lake girls cross country team resides.

In preparation for Thursday’s Suburban East Conference meet, the Rangers faced talented fields in both the Blaine Invitational on Oct. 4, and the Swain Invitational in Duluth on Saturday.

“On Thursday we had a hot day at Blaine and our varsity runners had some good times against even hotter competition,” head coach Eric Kaluza said.

“Elizabeth Peterson and Gina (Lange) ran in a quagmire and still ran their best times, which shows that they are going to be fast when it matters.”

Kaluza had positive comments for Holly Winberg, who has spent the fall climbing up from the junior high roster and will now move to the varsity after her recent performances.

“This shows that cross country isn’t about your age but your ability to cover the course as fast as possible, and she’s a very gifted runner,” Kaluza said.

At the Swain course on Saturday, the temperatures were in the 50s, as strong winds threw rain in every direction.

Disregarding the poor conditions, Forest Lake ran its best race of the season.

“Although it wasn’t the kids’ fastest times, their efforts today are indicative of what they’ll be doing at conference and regions,” Kaluza shared.

Blaine Invitational
Forest Lake - 7th Place

9. Peterson 15:46.2
16. Lange 16:01.1
41. Mackenzie Galleberg 17:07.3
53. Annie Dehmlow 17:42.2
56. Megan Gooley 17:54.6
61. Julia Hipp 18:07.2
73. McCall Lemmons 18:52.2

Swain Invitational
Forest Lake - 5th Place

10. Peterson 16:39
17. Lange 16:57
45. Galleberg 17:38
53. Winberg 17:44
74. Dehmlow 18:05
117. Hipp 19:02
134. Gooley 19:21

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