Matt Welch Win State Cross Country Title

Photo: Facebook.com

Click here for the complete 2012 Class A boys results

Nov 3, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

Proctor Senior Matt Welch concluded a perfect cross country season this fall as the Proctor senior took home first place in the Boys Class A cross country meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota Saturday morning. Welch concludes this season with a perfect record in cross country meets having won every event he was entered in this year.

Welch, who finished in 13th place a year ago as a junior, takes home first place with a time of 15:34 in the 5000 meter race. Welch finished ahead of Charlie Lawrence of Foley, who was second with an overall time of 15:46. Lawrence finished last year’s race in third place overall, and it was Shane Streich of Waseca finishing third this year.

Welch was among the leaders for most of the early part of the race Saturday morning, but as the leaders neared the 3200 meter point of the race Welch took off out in front and would never be caught as Welch tops off an amazing season this fall.

Welch, who helped lead his Rails to the Section 7A title this year. Helped the Rails finish in 11th place in the team standings. Esko finished in sixth place overall in the team competition. Ben Mattinen was the top finisher for the Eskomos with a time of 16:58 for the Esko freshman. Members of the Esko’s sixth place team included Joey Johnson, Ben Hanson, Matt Rengo, and Trenton Menor.

Jacob Welch, who finished in third place in the section meet finished with a time of 17:00, while other members of the 11th place Rails team included Zach Smith, Kody Stevens, and Garrett Sargent.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com