The Waseca girls’ cross country team turned in an impressive showing at the ZMKW Invitational, finishing second overall in a field of eight teams. The Bluejays tallied 91 points, placing three runners inside the top 15 and seven inside the top 50 among 54 total competitors.
Leading the way was Ellie Kopischke, who placed 10th overall with a time of 20:54.6. She cruised through the opening mile in 6:21 and held her pace strong, closing with an average of 7:08 per mile for the 5K distance.
Just behind her was Maren Schimming, taking 11th in 21:02.7. Schimming’s steady splits mirrored Kopischke’s early pace, helping Waseca establish a powerful 1-2 punch near the front of the race.
Stella Omtvedt rounded out the Bluejays’ top trio with a 13th-place finish in 21:10.1, locking in three Waseca athletes inside the top 15.
The supporting cast helped seal the runner-up team finish:
Ava VanDenHemel (30th, 22:41.9)
Taylor Markeson (32nd, 22:48.3)
Quinn Yoder (36th, 23:12.4)
Jenna Yoder (41st, 23:45.3)
With solid pack running and depth throughout the lineup, the Bluejay girls demonstrated consistency that will serve them well as championship season approaches.
On the boys’ side, the Bluejays were represented in a field of 67 runners. Keenan Collins led the way with a career-best 19:29.9 to finish 32nd overall. Wyatt Hager followed with a season-best 20:01.1 in 38th, while Luke Feldkamp also posted a season-best 20:04.1, placing 52nd.
Although the Bluejay boys did not field a complete team score, the strong individual performances—highlighted by Collins’ personal record—show continued progress and promise.
The Bluejays are back in action at their only home meet of the season, the Waseca Bluejay Invitational at Waseca Lakeside Club on Thursday, October 2nd. Races are set to begin at 4:00 p.m.