Sidney Eitzmann had her best time of the year at the Section 2A Championship Meet and finished 33rd with a time of 21:51.

The 2025 cross country season concluded for Blue Earth Area and United South Central with the Section 2A Championship Meet held on Oct. 23 at Baylor Park in Norwood Young America.

“It was a perfect day for running,” BEA coach Peter Koenig commented. “The temps were in the upper 50s, it was mostly sunny and there was a slight breeze.”

BEA Girls Results

The Buccaneers did not field a complete team at the meet.

A total of 12 schools had team scores. Loyola-Cleveland placed first with 35 points. Mountain Lake-Comfrey was the runner-up with 104 points and Le Sueur-Henderson was third with 114.

Sidney Eitzmann was the first BEA girl to cross the finish line. Her time of 21:51 was her best time of the year and put her in 33rd place in the 5K race.

“The girls concluded their season with commendable performances that truly showcased their grit and growth,” Koenig commented. “Sidney led the charge with determination, earning herself a well-deserved season best.”

Makayla Ankeny and April Garcia also recorded season-best times at the meet. Ankeny’s time of 26:59 put her in 93rd place and Garcia finished 96th in 27:35.

“Makayla, with focus and intent, pursued her goal of 27:00 by a narrow margin,” Koenig remarked. “Despite battling through discomfort, April exhibited remarkable resilience, finishing strong and securing yet another season best.”

Analiz Leal completed BEA’s squad for the meet. She finished 105th with a time of 35:12.

“Analiz demonstrated steady resolve,” Koenig said. “She ran a composed and determined race and closed out her season with pride.”

The Bucs’ roster was composed entirely of juniors this season.

“We eagerly anticipate dedicated off-season training (following some well-earned rest),” the BEA mentor said. “That will give us the opportunity to return even stronger next year.”

BEA Boys Results

Every member of the BEA boys cross country team achieved either a season record or personal record when they competed at the Section 2A Championship Meet.

Seniors Devin Haase and Marcus Eckles had their best times of the season while Oliver Ankeny, Samuel Bell, Gus Ankeny, Elijah Goshorn and Memphis Johnson all had personal-best times in their last competition of the year.

Loyola-Cleveland claimed the team championship with 76 points to edge Sibley East, who finished second with 92. Glencoe-Silver Lake finished third with 114 points. A total of 16 teams competed and BEA finished 16th with 450 points.

Haase finished 61st in the final race of his high school career with a time of 19:14.

“Devin concluded his senior year with a strong performance,” Koenig said. “He finished just 15 seconds shy of his personal-best time.”

Oliver Ankeny crossed the finish line in 99th place with a time of 20:39 and Bell was 102nd in 20:58.

“Oliver demonstrated the impact of dedicated off-season training by cutting an impressive 1:20 from his previous best time,” Koenig commented. “Sam elevated his performance in his final race of the season and beat his old personal record by nearly 30 seconds. Considering it was only his second year in cross country, we are eager to see his continued progress next year.”

Eckles closed out his high school career with a time of 21:32.

“Marcus delivered a powerful finish in the last 200 meters to secure a season-best time in his final senior race,” Koenig stated.

Gus Ankeny was 113th in 22:42, Goshorn was 114th with a time of 22:45 and Johnson was 116th in 23:51.

“Gus embraced his first 5K season with enthusiasm and slashed nearly three minutes off his early-season times,” Koenig shared. “Eli and Memphis wrapped up their inaugural seasons with determined and commendable efforts. We are excited to see what they can achieve nest year now that they have become accustomed to racing.”

Koenig closed with these final thoughts on the boys season.

“The coaches are immensely proud of how these boys gave their all on every course this season,” he concluded.