The Waseca Bluejay cross country teams turned in strong performances at the Albert Lea Invite, with the girls capturing the team championship and the boys fielding their first complete varsity lineup of the season.
On the boys’ side, Waseca finished fourth in the four-team field. The race featured 52 runners, and the Bluejays were led by Wyatt Hager, who placed 19th overall with a time of 20:13.9. He was followed by Keenan Collins (21st, 20:33.1), Luke Feldkamp (35th, 22:10.2), Korbin Collins (38th, 23:21.1), and Sam Feldkamp (43rd, 24:21.7).
The Bluejay girls highlighted the meet by edging Belle Plaine in a tight battle for the top spot. Waseca finished with 41 points, just ahead of Belle Plaine’s 42, to secure the team title.
The girls placed five runners inside the top 11, led by Stella Omtvedt, who crossed the line 4th in 21:21.5. Close behind were Maren Schimming (7th, 21:49.3), Ellie Kopischke (9th, 22:30.4), Quinn Yoder (10th, 22:43.6), and Taylor Markeson (11th, 22:44.3).
Depth proved to be the difference for the Bluejays, as Jenna Yoder (13th, 23:02.7), Ava VanDenHemel (16th, 23:21.7), Kelsey Draeger (21st, 24:11.6), Megan Tegmeier (24th, 24:53.1), Violet Rohwer (26th, 25:28.4), and Najorie Lacy (41st, 36:34.7) all turned in solid efforts to help secure the victory.
Next Up
The Bluejays will compete in the 2025 ZMKW Cross Country Invitational at Zumbrota Golf Course. Race times are as follows:
4:00 p.m. – JV Boys/Girls
4:40 p.m. – Varsity Girls
5:15 p.m. – Varsity Boys
5:45 p.m. – 7–8 Boys/Girls