Cross Country Boys Enjoying the Season

Cross country runners Calvin Moehlmann and Blake DeVries had rocky starts to their seasons but are optimistic about how it may end.

Several of Rapid City Central’s boys’ cross country athletes performed well at recent meets despite a rough start to the season.

Calvin Moehlman and Blake DeVries placed 57th and 64th respectively in the 5,000 meters Heartland Preview Race. For these two athletes and many others on the team, this was one of their best races of the season so far. Race times for these athletes are continuing to improve as they prepare for the state meet.

After his race senior Blake DeVries said the season is going well. “I had a rocky start, but things are starting to pick up and my times are improving,” he said. Blake runs cross country because he enjoys the atmosphere surrounding the sport. “My goal for the rest of the season is to stay healthy and perform at my best every race,” he added.

Calvin Moehlman, a senior at Central High School, began the season with a minor injury which prevented him from racing until recently. Calvin enjoys running cross country because, “Sometimes it feels like we are competing with each other instead of against each other.” Calvin noted the uniqueness of the cross country competition. “The community around cross country is really welcoming,” he said. “At the end of the race kids from other teams will congratulate each other.” His goals are starting small, but he has reason to think big: “My goal is to start running again. Last year I was able to make it onto the podium at State. Hopefully I can recover fast enough to return this season.”