WDA teams look for strong showing at Class A Meet

BISMARCK – This is the time of year when Western Dakota Association (WDA) cross country boys' teams shine. Want proof? Well, since 2004 a conference team has won every state title. Williston has won the past two and three of the past four. Perennial contender Bismarck High has won a few trophy cases during this recent stretch of dominance. And Bismarck Century held the top spot four times. Heading into this Saturday's, Oct. 28 Class A state race in Jamestown, Bismarck High and Williston will again be strong contenders.  BHS was ranked first in he final coaches' poll. Williston was third while Minot High was fourth and Century was fifth. Seven of the top 10-ranked runners also hail from WDA squads. Bismarck High's Owen Hintz, who won the WDA Championship, is second behind Fargo North's Owen Sondag. Williston's Thomas Haskins is ranked third. Other WDA runners in the hunt for a top finish include: Parker Hintz, BHS; Benjamin Harris, Minot High; Dawson Balzer, BHS; Gavyn Graham, Century; and Sam Anteau, Jamestown.  

Four WDA teams figures to be in the hunt for the Class A girls' crown. WDA champion Bismarck High was ranked first in the final coaches' poll with three-time defending state champion Williston second and Bismarck Legacy third. G.F. Red River is fourth with Minot High in fifth. Seven WDA runners are also ranked. WDA champion Eva Selensky of Legacy is second behind Valley City's Reagan Berg. Bayla Weigel of BHS is third. Other WDA runners ranked are: Cambree Moss, Williston; Izzy Dahl, BHS; Harley Jeannote, Williston; Dru Zander, Williston; Katie Olson, Watford City. The top 20 runners in both divisions earn all-state honors. Parkhurst Recreation Area is again hosting this year's event.