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There was a little extra reason for one Byron cross country coach to cheer on Chisago Lakes at the Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Tom O’Leary, a Byron cross country coach who recently moved to Lindstrom from Byron, a small city of 6,300 residents just west of Rochester, has an Annika Hall on his roster. Of course, Chisago Lakes has its own standout runner with the same name.

“Our entire team in Byron has been enjoying the success of ‘the other’ Annika Hall,” O’Leary said.

The two Annika Halls finally had a chance to meet at the Roy Griak Meet, and the occasion included a jersey exchange. Each runner wrote a short message and signed a jersey for the other.

“It was super fun, and super nice of Annika Hall of Chisago Lakes, along with Coach Tyler Stettler, to agree to such an exchange,” O’Leary said. “As a head coach, I can share, this stuff brings so much joy and creates memories beyond the results.”

There were plenty of results to celebrate, too. Chisago Lakes’ Hall finished second in the Gopher Division at Griak, with O’Leary saying the Byron contingent was cheering her on throughout the race.

“We are looking forward to cheering some more at the state meet,” he said. “In fact, we hope we are racing head to head!”

O’Leary also offered his best wishes to both the Chisago Lakes girls and boys teams, adding, “Coach Stettler has you on a fantastic track!”

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