It was a historical run. The core four who qualified as a team for the Class 1A State Meet for the first time in school history, not once, but twice, have graduated. With the return of four letterwinners, the Stewartville girls cross country team hopes to continue that tradition in 2020. Graduated are Kailee Malone, Isabel Field, Gracie Waltman and Gloria Nelson, all of whom were on those two state-qualifying teams and members of four HVL Conference title teams. Last season that team placed second at the HVL meet, second at the section meet and advanced for the second time to the state meet as a team. Four letterwinners, including HVL All-Conference and two-time state meet participant Olivia Field and state meet participants Ali Graff, Kaylie Doherty and Ana Walters, return to lead this year's squad, which includes state track medalist Maia Peterson and newcomers Haylie Strum and Norah Campbell to be competitive in one of the toughest conferences and sections in the state. "I'm excited to see what we can do as a team," said Tiger girls and boys coach Mickie Tuseth. "These girls have been working through the spring and summer and are ready to compete." Look for perennial power Lake City to be a force in the HVL and section while Byron and Stewartville should also contend. Tiger boys CC Last season the Stewie boys placed fifth at the HVL Conference meet and had four All-Conference runners. Two of those four return to lead the Tiger boys in the 2020 campaign. Sophomore letterwinners and HVL All-Conference runners Caleb Goff and Isaiah Fitzgerald will guide several young, talented runners vying for a varsity spot. They include eighth grader Josh Langseth, freshman Nathan Jeche, sophomores Jack Sellers and Jackson Struhar and freshman Logan Johnson. "A core group ran consistently this summer, so I'm looking for that to have an impact on their success," Tuseth mentioned. "This team has a positive attitude and hard work ethic. It is a rebuilding year so the boys need to gel as a team to have a competitive season."
