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It was the only goal they didn’t accomplish. Still, disappointment was present for just a moment as the reality of the moment began to sink in. No, they didn’t beat anyone at the boys state cross country meet last Saturday, but it’s a very small blemish on a fantastic 2004 season resume.

“Overall, I think we were a little disappointed, we weren’t up to the level we were at sections, but it was kind of a different deal. You really couldn’t feel that sense of finality like you could at sections,” said Ken Orwoll, Chisago Lakes head cross country coach. “But, the kids were happy with the way the season ended. We said all along we wanted to make it to state as a team and we did that.”

Overall, the ‘Cats finished 16 as a team, scoring 328 points, which put them five points behind section foe Monticello who placed 15. With seven runners on the course, the Wildcats placed 24, 46, 69, 92, 97, 106, and 107 in the team competition.

“It’s a pack, a solid stream of people and there really isn’t any type of opening to run through unless you’re the leader,” remarked Orwoll when asked to describe the big show. “It’s a completely different race from what you’re used to.”

Senior John Leaf dealt the best with the difficult situation, leading the Wildcats by finishing 24 overall in the team race. Individually, Leaf was 44 overall, running the course in 17:02. Right behind him was fellow senior Ben Dery who crossed the finish line in 46 place in the team race, 83 overall. In addition, Zach Hunter posted Chisago’s third best time, running the course in just over 18 minutes.

“John ran pretty decent overall. We thought he had a good chance to finish a little higher, but he beat a couple kids he hadn’t beaten at sections,” explained Orwoll. “Ben Dery also ran pretty well. He had himself a nice to race.”

It was nice to see those two runners in particular perform the way they did. For Leaf, Dery, and fellow senior Dan Brelje who finished 141 overall, it was the final cross country meet of their career . The three have been a staple for Orwoll and his program over the last few years. Watching them run their last race at state made it a bitter-sweet ending for Orwoll and the Chisago Lakes fans.

“Those three guys, it’s going to be really tough without them. I went over and congratulated them after the race on their career and they all said, coach, track is right around the corner. I guess it really hasn’t sunk in yet because of that. Those guys have just been great examples for the younger kids, they work hard, and they lead by example. They’re definitely going to be missed.”

As for next season, the focus will turn to names like Zach Hunter, Andrew Turner, Nathan Gieske, and Matt Carpenter, the remaining four runners on the ‘Cats roster, all of whom will be back in 2005.

2004 Class AA boys state cross country meet:

Team Results-

1. Marshall 34

2. Willmar 84

3. Eden Prairie 130

4. Lakeville 139

5. Stillwater 145

6. Hopkins 196

7. Henry Sibley 198

8. Alexandria 247

9. Mounds View 262

10. Moorhead 265

11. Minn. Southwest 272

12. Fridley 287

13. Faribault 294

14. Park of Cottage Grove 297

15. Monticello 323

16. Chisago Lakes 328

Chisago Lakes results-

44. John Leaf 17:02

83. Ben Dery 17:36

113. Zach Hunter 18:02

136. Andrew Turner 18:36

141. Dan Brelje 18:51

150. Nathan Gieske 19:42

151. Matt Carpenter 20:01

Individual Results- Top 10

1. Yahya Iman Marshall

15:39.9

2. Rob Finnerty Burnsville

3. Mike Krisch Hopkins

4. Dahir Jumale Marshall

5. Tim Branigan Roseville

6. Ben Kampf Farmington

7. Dan Fadgen Buffalo

8. Elliot Heath Winona

9. Joe Moore Stillwater

10. J. Stoltman Little Falls

2004 Class AA girls state cross country meet:

Team Results-

1. Minnetonka 78

2. Roseville 94

3. Lakeville 116

4. Dover-Eyota/St./ Charles 129

5. Eden Prairie 136

6. Marshall 143

7. Fergus Falls 148

8. Elk River 249

9. Park of Cottage Grove 258

10. Prior Lake 284

11. Tartan 290

12. Mounds View 294

13. Osseo 299

14. Duluth East 321

15. Sartell-Str. Stephen 330

16. Benilde-St. Margaret’s 395

Individual Results- Top 10

1. E. Yetzer Lakeville

14:28

2. H. Grinaker Detroit Lakes

3. Molly Lehman Minnetonka

4. Kari Higdem Willmar

5. B. Wyffels Marshall

6. K. Anderson Blaine

7. J. Cheever Minn. Southwest

8. E. Schwitzer Hopkins

9. Callie Malone Eden Prairie

10. N. Yarbrough Eastview

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