Maple Lake eighth graders, and best friends, Gus DeMarais and Mary Miller tackled their first state cross country race last weekend and came away with new determination for next year.
“I was focused and ready, but this is my first time to state so I didn’t know what to expect,” DeMarais said. “Now that I have had this opportunity, I have set some new goals for next year to improve my race.”
DeMarais finished 62nd and Miller 90th out of 176 of the most talented runners in the state, Saturday, Nov. 5, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
The two underclassmen earned the right to participate in the prestigious event by placing ninth and 10th, respectively, at the Section 5A race in Milaca the week before.
The Irish athletes kicked off their adventure on Friday, Nov. 4, with a send-off that involved the entire school. Early Friday morning, the drumline led the runners through a crowd of their classmates lined up along the halls with hands outstretched, ready to deliver a good-luck high five. The girls recieved the same treatment at the elementary school.
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