SL shines on soggy trail

Mon, Nov 2, 2009    to del.icio.us

For whatever reason, the Spring Lake girls cross country team has run better this season in poor weather.

That served the Lakers well on Saturday, as they overcame soggy conditions at their Division 2 meet at the Christian Reformed Recreation Center in Grand Rapids by finishing third and advancing to the state finals.

"Taking a step on that course was literally like stepping on a water bed," Lakers' coach Aaron Andres said. "But the girls ran an inspired race and we'll take our finish."

The top three teams at the regional moved onto state and with top-ranked East Grand Rapids and No. 2 Grand Rapids Christian being the favorites, the battle was for third.

"We were battling with Holland Christian, Byron Center and West Catholic," Andres said. "We were looking specifically at their lineups and what we needed to do. That was our game plan coming in."

Spring Lake got a boost with a fourth-place finish from senior India Peek-Jensen, who finished in 20 minutes, 16 seconds, but Andres said the key were gus No. 2 through 4 runners. Hannah Nyboer was 19th, Rosie Seitz was 20th and Halle Billinghurst was 21st.

"Those are the ones that coaches are more concerned with," Andres said. "They're the ones that make the difference on whether you're going to win a meet or if your going to be in a meet."

Spring Lake's boys were one spot out of reaching the state finals, but settled for an individual qualifying effort from senior Tyler Fedewa.

Fedewa placed fourth overall, finishing in 17:50.5. The Lakers' No. 2 runner, Payton Villescas, was out sick, which hurt the Lakers in a talented field. Grand Rapids West Catholic won the meet with 45 points, followed by 63 from Grand Rapids Christian, and 91 from Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The Lakers totaled a score of 126.

Freshman Andrew Cole placed 29th for the Lakers, clocking in at 18:56.2.