Kasson-Mantorville’s David Obst Shines at State Cross Country Meet

In a remarkable display of athleticism, David Obst, a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, concluded his high school cross country career with a standout performance at the MSHSL Class 2A Boys Cross Country State Championships on November 4, 2023. Obst secured a fourth-place finish at the event held at Les Bolstad Golf Course in St. Paul, clocking a personal-best time of 15 minutes and 39.6 seconds.

This marked Obst’s fifth appearance at the state meet, further solidifying his legacy as one of the top runners in the state. His achievement also marks three consecutive top-eight finishes at the state level, highlighting his consistency and determination throughout his high school career.

Race Highlights and Competition

During the race, Obst initially took the lead after the first mile, demonstrating his competitive edge. However, the race intensified around the second mile, where he battled closely with four other runners. Ultimately, Charlie Loth, a junior from St. Paul Como Park, and Gabe Hallen, a senior from Orono, began to pull away. Loth clinched the state title with an impressive time of 15:31.1, while Hallen followed closely behind.

Other notable finishes included Kedrick Boucek, a junior from Winona, who placed fifth in a time of 15:42.2, contributing to his team’s seventh-place finish with a total of 216 points. The St. Paul Como team, led by Loth, emerged victorious, capturing their first state title with a score of 75 points.

From the Southeast Minnesota area, several other runners participated, including Caleb Kevan from Zumbrota-Mazeppa/Kenyon-Wanamingo, who finished 35th with a time of 16:24.6, and Nolan Schatz, a sophomore from Stewartville, who recorded a personal best of 16:27.9, finishing 42nd.

Girls’ Competition and Local Performers

On the girls’ side, Nora Hanson, a senior from Red Wing, concluded her cross country career at the state championships, finishing 38th with a time of 19:32.5. Throughout her high school years, she earned All-State honors twice, distinguishing herself as a prominent athlete.

Isabelle Katwa, a freshman from Winona, was the top finisher for Southeast Minnesota in the girls’ Class 2A race, placing 35th with a time of 19:29.8. Her performance contributed to Winona’s sixth-place team finish, accumulating 193 points. The girls’ championship was claimed by Minneapolis Southwest, who won their first state title with a remarkable score of 38 points.

Other notable local finishes included Sydney Lewis from Austin, who placed 42nd with a time of 19:35.1, and Brynn Lawrence from Red Wing, who finished 54th at 19:49.3. Dayna Baune, a freshman from Byron, rounded out the individual qualifiers from the region, securing 80th place with a time of 20:18.4.

The individual title in the girls’ race was claimed by Keira Friedrich, a senior from St. Peter, who finished with an impressive time of 18:03, nearly 20 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

The state championships showcased the dedication and talent of high school runners across Minnesota, with both David Obst and Nora Hanson leaving a lasting legacy in their respective programs. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future athletes in the region.