IOWA CITY, Iowa - Annalee Bartels picked a heck of a time to win her first ever varsity race. The Iowa City Regina junior captured a district title leading her team to victory in Class 1A Thursday afternoon here at the Kickers Course.
Bartels finished the race in 20:48.01. She was backed up by Josie Voss (4), Mya Whitaker (10), Kennedy Scott (11) and Josie Pursley (34) for the champion Regals (60). Pekin (89) and Prince of Peace (117) also qualified for the state meet.
Pekin's Lauren Derscheid (20:50) took second place and was followed across the finish line by Cascade's Emma Ostwinkle (21:04), Voss (21:14) and Sophie Griffin (21:19) from Prince of Peace.
For the boys, Chase Knoche (16:53) cruised to victory and helped Calmus-Wheatland (51) win the team title. He was supported by teammates Chandler Gannon (6), Magus Sands (9), Brett McCartt (12) and Seth Beuthien (23).
Pekin (75) was the runner-up, while Maquoketa Valley (87) grabbed third. They both qualified for state.
Pekin's Colten Glosser (17:20.2) and Brady Millikin (17:20.9) finished second and third, respectively. Wilton's Zach Hein (17:21) took fourth, while Holy Trinity's Matt Hellige (17:31) came in fifth.
You can watch the boys race HERE.
The girls race can be seen HERE.
Photos from both races are HERE.