PIERRE – The two Governors with top-15 finishes at the AA Cross Country State Championships have been recognized as the Pierre Athletic Coaches Association-Avera Athletes of the Week for the week ending October 24.
In her last race as a Governor, senior Jessica Lutmer had what Pierre Head Coach Jim Keyes called “the best race of her career” with a 15th-place finish of 19:36. That time was good enough for 21st combined among all three classes.
Keyes said, “This ending for Jessica really meant everything to her. For this to be her final state meet and have the opportunity to say I put everything I could into this moment is quite the story for this young lady. She is a great person in and out of the classroom and works very hard to meet her goals. I am grateful and honored to say I coached Jessica Lutmer. I wish her the best in continuing her cross country career at the University of Sioux Falls.”
Hayden Shaffer finished seventh, the best for a Pierre boys’ harrier at state since Alec Espeland finished second in 2008. In snowy, 25-degree weather, Shaffer ran his best time of the season, 16:45, good for 12th overall among all classes.
An extra piece of equipment for the bad weather helped Shaffer, according to Keyes. He said, “All season I have been telling Hayden he needs to wear spikes, but he doesn’t like to because he got bad blisters the last time he wore them. So during the week of the State Meet, I was telling Hayden we have to wear spikes because it is going to be very snowing and slippery. Hayden really didn’t like the idea, but I am sure he is glad he wore them now!”
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