The girls cross country is coming to a close in Owatonna this season. However, Owatonna Girls Cross Country had a strong season and placed well at most of their meets this season. At the 1AA Section Meet, OHS saw Carsyn Brady and Kendra Melby qualify for the Minnesota State Cross Country Meet. 

The girl’s cross country team did very well this year, placing third by four points at Big Nine and third by three points at Sections. Head coach Dan Leer said, “The season was exciting.  When by the end of the season you can put yourself in a position to challenge for the Big 9 title and a trip to State, you know you’ve had a successful year.” Individually, everyone dropped time through hard work and effort and it showed in meets. 

Junior Carsyn Brady was was the girls team’s overall number one runner all year. She said, “Overall, I’m super happy about how my season went because I didn’t expect to do that well. I worked really hard this summer and put in a lot of miles.” Many on the team dropped time this year from their meets last season. Brady, in particular, dropped almost a minute and a half compared to sections last year. 

Sophomore Kendra Melby also had a successful season, finishing sections as the number two runner for the team and the eighth runner for the entire race. Melby said, “I think my season went great. I started out a little bad and then I got right back up and now I am going to state with Carsyn.” Melby dropped about five minutes from her time this season, showing the dedication she has for her sport. 

The team had been putting in the miles since the middle of June to prepare for Big 9 and sections. While it was disappointing the whole team wasn’t running at State, everyone is excited to support Brady and Melby. Brady said, “I’m super excited for state this year because I have someone to run with again!” In previous seasons, only Brady had qualified for State. Melby said, “I am excited because I have never gone to State and I am excited to run with Carsyn.” It will be thrilling to see how Brady and Melby do at state.

The Minnesota Girls Cross Country State Meet is hosted at St. Olaf on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come out and support Owatonna Cross Country at the last meet of the 2022 season.