State Qualifying Cross Country

Wilton's Zach Hein qualifies for state cross country

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Wilton senior Zach Hein’s roller coaster ride of a cross country career hit a high point last week with a top five state qualifying run at a Class 1A meet in Iowa City. Hein ran to fourth place overall in 17:21 at the state qualifying meet to secure a spot in the state meet Nov. 2 in Fort Dodge.

Yet his path to a second consecutive state meet is unique. No more than a couple years ago he was attending Durant and competing for the Wildcats. He later transferred to Wilton and competed for the Beavers last season, qualifying for state for the first time alongside then 3-time qualifier Buddy Darting.

Darting began this season both running cross country and playing football. A few weeks into the season, Darting decided to leave the cross country team and focus on football. Hein had already solidified himself as a leader on the team in terms of results. It continued in a big way in the wake of Darting’s absence as Hein led area finishers for most of the season, including winning some races along the way.

“It’s been a wild ride but I’ve had many good coaches and kids too,” said Hein. (Buddy) and I talked about it but I think he got tired of doing both. It was his choice, I don’t blame him.”

When the state races occur this weekend, Hein will be the lone state runner from Wilton and Durant and will look to build on a 37th place finish in 17:26 a year ago.

“The target is under 17 minutes. Hopefully at state I can get closer to 17,” said Hein, whose personal record is 17:15. “I have to get in the mindset. It’s a big field. I want to place higher than last year and reach my peak time.”

Chase Knoche of Cal-Wheat won the state qualifying meet in Iowa City in a time of 16:53. Cal-Wheat also won the team title with 51 points. Wilton ran to seventh with 230 points while Durant finished 14th of 23 teams with 395 points.

Other Wilton finishes included Ethan Bailey (42nd, 19:14), Jake Walton (60th, 19:53), Chayton Ramsey (68th, 20:15), Gavin Reid (71st, 20:17), Connor Bierman (128th, 23:05) and Colby Brown (137th, 23:47).

Durant’s top finisher was sophomore Drake Shelangoski, who ran to 23rd overall in 18:18. The top 15 qualify for state. Shelangoski missed the top 15 by 10 seconds.

Other Durant finishes included Nathan Moomey (32nd, 18:52), Colyn Dean (110th, 21:44), Braden Wagner (120th, 22:33), Michael Frisch (140th, 24:09) and Luke Abels (150th, 25:28).

Durant’s Fusco leads area girls

A pair of freshmen has been leading the Wilton and Durant girls’ teams this season — Durant’s Carlie Jo Fusco and Wilton’s Charlotte Brown.

At the state qualifying meet in Iowa City Oct. 24, Fusco turned in the top area time with a 34th place finish in 23:11. Brown ran to 43rd in a time of 23:50.

Regina’s Annalee Bartels won the race in a time of 20:48 and the Regals won the team title with a score of 60.

Durant ran to 13th overall with 291 points and Wilton was 14th of 14 with 301.

Other Durant finishes included Heidi Wolf (51st, 24:14), Ellie Collman-Long (70th, 25:52), Kyrnan Liske-Rochholz (73rd, 26:13) and Kaitlyn Paustian (110th, 34:09).

Other Wilton finishes included Emmy Drake (61st, 25:04), Abby Brown (71st, 25:58), Michaela Breed (106th, 30:38), Ansley Boorn (108th, 32:40) and Jayden Everson (109th, 33:45).

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