The Alexandria cross country team had a season to remember again this fall with the boys taking sixth at the state meet and Megan Hasz finishing with a state title.
The Cardinals honored the athletes responsible for that at their awards banquet as Megan and Bethany Hasz shared the Outstanding Runner Award for the girls and Aaron Runge took home that honor for the boys. The outstanding runner award honors the athletes who demonstrate excellence in practices and at meets.
HollieAnn Schnitzler and Jesse Groettum took home the Cardinal XC award that recognizes an inspirational teammate that serves as a positive role model and leader. Sophomore Megan Shulstad and senior John Kumorowicz then rounded out the team award winners by taking home the most improved awards.
The Cardinals season saw them establish themselves as one of the top programs in the state again. The boys’ sixth-place team finish came with five runners finishing in less than 17 minutes at the state meet. Runge led the way with a time of 16:03.3, while Brandon Jerde (16:39.3), Kumorowicz (16:42.5), Groettum (16:55.9) and Colton Sailor (16:59.3) helped Alexandria soar into the top 10 out of 16 teams.
Bethany Hasz took home a state title in 2013 and 2014 was Megan’s turn to finish on top of the podium. She finished four seconds (13:40.9) in front of Bethany (13:44.4) as the sisters ran away from the field at the state meet.
The Hasz sisters, juniors, and Shulstad, a sophomore, will all be back next year on the girls’ side. Runge, Jerde, Kumorowicz, Groettum and Sailor are all seniors who will have to be replaced heading into next fall for the boys.
