Trending
MANKATO -- The Marshall girls cross country team captured the Section 2AA championship Thursday, earning a team berth in the state meet. The Tiger boys finished third, while Charles Mueller-Thompson also qualified individually for state.
The top two teams and the six highest-finishing individuals not on qualifying teams advanced to the state meet. Marshall’s girls claimed the section title, while Mueller-Thompson earned an individual berth with a 15th-place finish in the boys race in 17 minutes, 9.4 seconds.
The Marshall girls were led by Katelyn Leibfried, who won the individual section championship in 19:15.1. Jasmine Murphy finished second in 19:37.7, and Claire Kruse placed third in 19:39.5. Brooklyn Purrington took 15th in 20:35.5, Kaitlyn Soupir finished 18th in 20:46.0, Landrey Graven was 21st in 20:54.0, and Jenna Sanders placed 24th in 20:59.6.
The Marshall boys finished third, matching their expected position entering the meet. The Tigers hoped to make a push for second place but came up short.
Mueller-Thompson led the Marshall boys with his 15th-place finish. Noland Munson placed 19th in 17:27.8, followed by Isaac Leibfried in 20th in 17:33.4. Corbin Leibfried finished 24th in 17:59.7, Griffin Leibfried was 31st in 18:27.0, William Deutz placed 32nd in 18:38.7, and Gunnar Ruud finished 38th in 19:12.6.
"We were hoping to have things go our way and climb into the second-place position," Marshall head coach Brian Leibfried said. "We have to give credit to our boys for having a great plan in place and going for it today. We are proud of their effort, and they should walk away with their heads held high after a gutsy performance."
Leibfried also recognized Mankato East and Mankato West for their performances.
"Charles put himself in a great position in the race, and we congratulate him on his effort, which earned him a spot in the state tournament," Leibfried said.