Leaver moves up at state
Travis Houslet/Capital Newspapers
Baraboo's Denise Leaver makes her way on the trail during Saturday's WIAA Division I state meet. Leaver placed 33rd.
News Republic Sports
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Baraboo Thunderbirds junior Denise Leaver placed 33rd on Saturday at the WIAA Division I Girls State Cross Country Championships in Wisconsin Rapids.
Leaver’s time of 15 minutes, 36 seconds was four seconds faster than her 2008 clocking as the junior moved up 14 spots from her finish a year ago.
This was Leaver’s third straight trip to the state meet.
"She had a great race and ran strong throughout," said BHS coach Dawn Leaver. "I’m very proud of how well she ran. It is always competitive and nervewracking to do your best at this meet."
Gabby Levac won the individual championship (14:36), and Wausau East took the team gold with 75 points.
In the boys competition, Gabe Heck of Madison East placed second in 15 minutes, 43 seconds on the 5,000-meter course, just 2 seconds behind champion Marcus Paulson of Sussex Hamilton.
Sauk Prairie’s Garrett Kerska was fourth (15:53) and Madison West’s Sam Hacker was seventh (16:12).
Brookfield Central took the top honors as a team.