Staying the course
Rugby’s boys cross country team passed their biggest test yet in their pursuit of a Class B state title.
The Panthers won the Bill Jansen Sr. Memorial Blue-White Invitational in Valley City earlier this month which included a field of 42 teams, and many from both regions.
“Our kids ran well,” said Rugby coach Bill Jansen. “We had six runners in the top 28, which is pretty darn good considering over 200 runners were in the race.”
The race was also significant since it’s the course to be used for the state meet next month. The Panthers, ranked No. 1 in the CC poll, have won five of the six races they entered this season.
Rugby girls overcoming illness, injury
The Panther girls have had to contend with bouts of injuries and some illness of late, but Jansen is hopeful the squad will be at full strength as it begins the second half of the season. The key for the Panthers’ chances of a top five finish at the state meet will hinge on its three thru five runners. If they can start to drop times and move up in the pack, it will improve Rugby’s stock.