Two cross country runners from Atlantic, Claire Pellett and Bennett Whetstone both qualified to head to state from their impressive efforts at the Winterset State Qualifying Meet on Wednesday evening.

It was a tough course to run on for Pellett as she had to continually push herself against top runners in the State like Grace Berglund from Glenwood who took the individual title and Avelyn Lace from Ballard in second.

Pellett credits the examples and teammates she’s had around her throughout her team in high school. All of which helped her qualify for state three separate times.

The rest of the Atlantic girls’ team ran well with Katrina Williams in 21st, Belle Berg in 27th, Makenna Schroeder in 39th, Megan Birge in 40th, Elynor Brummer in 41st, and Hailey Huffman in 42nd.

Girls Team Results:

1. Glenwood (47)
2. Ballard (52)
3. Lewis Central (72)
4. Winterset (115)
5. Atlantic (121)

On the boys’ side Atlantic runner Bennett Whetstone qualified for state at 14th place nearing the cutoff point. It was a difficult run for Whetstone and he had to dig within to make it.

Looking ahead to state, Whetstone doesn’t have high expectations for himself. He is just going to enjoy the atmosphere of such a competitive event.

The top boy runner at the qualifier was Ethan Eichhorn from Lewis Central, then Andrew Smith at second and Bryant Keller at third both runners from Glenwood.

The rest of the Atlantic boys’ team had Alex Sonntag at 24th, Luke Irlmeier at 41st, Tyrell Williams at 45th, Rickie Fields at 46th, Christian Thompson 47th, and Devon Fields at 73rd.

Boys Team Results: 

1. Lewis Central (39)
2. Glenwood (57)
3. Winterset (62)
4. North Polk (108)
5. Kuemper Catholic (117)

Coach Vargason had pride from the grit his boys team showed at the qualifier.

On the topic of Claire Pellett coach Vargason explained how continually impressed he is by her and the impact that she has had on his coaching.

The 3A State cross country meet begins Saturday October 28th at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.