KMS/Benson Schools Cross Country Team Battles at Whitetail Run, Achieves Team and Individual Recognition

On September 3, 2024, the KMS/Benson Schools Cross Country team participated in a significant varsity meet held at Whitetail Run Golf Course in Wadena. This early season event was notable not just for its large size, encompassing 20 teams, but also as a section preview, offering the Fighting Saints a glimpse at many teams they usually meet only towards the season's end. The KMS/Benson boys' varsity team ended the day in 10th place, a commendable team result in such a competitive field. Individual accolades came through Alex Zurn, who finished 12th in boys varsity, and Mason McGeary, who took 15th in the boys junior high, both earning ribbons for their top-15 finishes. Coach VanHeuveln shared insights from the event, stating, "There were definitely a few feeling the long (2 hour) bus ride, but they worked through that in warmups and were able to race well! Was fun to finally have a boys team score. The Jr high kids ran fantastic with Cian Klucas and Avery Loen just missing out on ribbons by a few places in a very large field of runners!" The meet also featured unique challenges such as longer courses for the junior high runners and battling long hills, providing valuable experience early in the season. The team adapted well to the 2-mile junior high course, an extension from the usual 1.5 miles. The younger 6th graders stayed behind this time, a decision aimed at easing them into the season's rhythm without the early disruption of a long trip on the very first day of school. They are expected to join the upcoming meets to gear up for the Junior High state meet on October 26th in Wayzata. Looking forward, the team will next compete on September 12, 2024, at the Little Crow Golf Course in the New London-Spicer Cross Country Meet. This event will provide another platform for the team to showcase their progress and skills as they build towards the season's peak competitions.