Three Kelly cross country runners qualify for state

ST. LOUIS -- Kelly's Michael Glastetter took first place in the Class 2, District 1 cross country meet at Jefferson Barracks Park on Saturday. Glastetter finished with a time of 17:29, beating out teammate Trey Simmons, who came in third place with a time of 17:34.

Both runners advance to the state cross country meet, which takes place on Saturday at Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City.

As a team, the Hawks finished in third place with 68 points. "A great big congratulations to Michael Glastetter for a district championship, and to Trey Simmons for a third place finish," said Kelly coach John Merrick. "We wish them good luck in their bid for an all-state performance."

Behind Glastetter and Simmons, Russell Carroll took 20th place with a time of 19:23. Jordan Felter came in 23rd at 19:37, Derek Brucker came in 24th at 19:38, Brandon Ayers came in 31st at 20:19 and Spencer Ayers placed 36th at 21:51. Lukas Inhoffen ran his first 5K in the USA. He ran a 22:45. "Jordan, Derek, Michael, Russell and Trey set new course personal records," noted Merrick. "Russell and Spencer set new personal PRs."

In the varsity girls race, Emily Stroble qualified for state with a 13th place finish. She crossed the finish line in a time of 23:26. As a team, Kelly took 5th place with 105 points.

Behind Stroble, Lauren Gean took 20th place with a time of 24:26. Amber Dirnberger came in 21st at 24:27, Nikki Weiny came in 33rd at 26:23, Samantha Barber took 34th at 26:39 and Stephanie Payne came in 36th at 27:02.

"We wish (Stroble) good luck at state also, as she shoots for an all-state performance," said Merrick. "Each one of the girls set a new course PR."