March 29, 2024

Third-place run punches Berg’s ticket for state XC

PANORA — Nodaway Valley junior Doug Berg ran to a third place finish at a Class 1A State Qualifying Cross Country Meet Thursday at Panorama West Golf Course west of Panora.

Berg ran the course — a true cross country course with many hills, wooded areas and rough terrain — in 17:19, behind Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center senior Trevin Suhr’s winning run of 16:44 and second-place Ethan Loutzenheiser of Madrid (17:13).

“I didn’t get the best start. Through the first 800 meters I was probably in 10th or so,” Berg said. “There’s a downhill back in the woods, so I picked it up after that and worked my way up.”

The temperature was approximately 50 degrees at race time, much cooler than most meets have been this season, but that didn’t bother Berg or his teammates. He’s excited to be making a return trip to state.

“I think I’m ranked seventh right now,” Berg said. “I’d like to do better than that, so top-5 is where I’d prefer to be.”

The Wolverines were fourth in the team standings, scoring 130 points. Sophomore runner Malachi Broers was 17th (18:49), Ben Piearson was 42nd (20:41), Jaxon Christensen was 43rd (20:42), Tyler Cooper 46th (20:50) and Will Sturdy 52nd (21:17).

Madrid didn’t qualify as a team either, so there will be a new Class 1A state team champion this year. The Tigers and Nodaway Valley account for the last six state titles.

“I’m extremely proud of our boys team’s performance tonight and their improvement throughout the season,” NV boys coach Darrell Burmeister said.

On the girls’ side, Nodaway Valley freshman Jazz Christensen came just short of qualifying for state, finishing 11th (21:54). Next for the Wolverines was Lily Day (31st, 23:27), Erin Ford (38th, 24:17), Annika Nelson (41st, 24:24), Grace Britten (66th, 26:54) and Hope Kading (70th, 27:40).

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson has served as News Editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer since Oct. 2017. He and his wife Kilee live in Greenfield. In Greenfield and the greater Adair County area, he values the opportunity to tell peoples' stories, enjoys playing guitar, following all levels of sports, and being a part of his local church.