Members of the Staples Motley girl’s cross country team lined up before the race held at Moorhead on Aug. 30. Front row, left to right: Haley Christopherson, Tayler Klimek, Jenna Ziegler, Emma Pogreba, Lisa Riechert, Emily Fuhrman. Back: Tiffany Amiot, Samantha Weyer, Claire Roberts, Emma Miller. Not pictured: MacKenzie Holst. (Photo by Bruce Fuhrman) The Lady Cardinal Cross Country runners started out their season with a tough meet in Moorhead. A late summer day with high temps. posed a challenge, but the Cardinal girls came out with a sixth place finish in a field of 12 area teams. Moorhead took the win, with the Perham girls coming in second.

Leading the Staples Motley pack was senior Emma Pogreba, who was able to push through the heat and race to a ninth place finish.

“Emma battled with the heat, but was able to hold her position throughout the race,” commented Coach Bruce Fuhrman.

Lisa Riechert wasn’t far behind, coming in with an 11th place finish. Senior Emily Fuhrman completed the top three for the Cardinals. Fuhrman said to look for them to lead the team this year, “Lisa and Emily ran their races as we discussed prior to the start.”

Rounding out the Cardinal team and helping to secure the sixth place slot, were Emma Miller, Tayler Klimek, Haley Christopherson, Jenna Ziegler, Samantha Weyer and Tiffany Amoit.

“Our entire girls’ team ran pretty well,” Fuhrman said. “We have many new faces in the lineup this year, and it is exciting to help put this team together.”

Fuhrman also noted that when school starts they will be looking for junior high athletes to try cross country. Anyone interested can call him at 218-894-2710 or come to a practice after school at the football field.

1. Moorhead, 72 2. Perham, 95 3. Willmar, 103 4. Bemidji, 104 5. Park Rapids, 141 6. Staples Motley, 146 7. Fergus Falls, 153 8. Detroit Lakes, 190 9. Hawley-Ulen-Hitterdal, 200 10. Thief River Falls, 210 11. East Grand Forks, 269 12. Trek North, 330

9. Emma Pogreba, 16:57.74; 11. Lisa Riechert, 17:08.78; 36. Emily Fuhrman, 18:33.41; 41. Emma Miller, 18:48.60; 51. Tayler Klimek, 19:19.86; 57. Haley Christopherson, 19:49.93; 63. Jenna Ziegler, 20:04.04; 69. Samantha Weyer, 20:45.57; 82. Tiffany Amoit, 27:05.84