The Mitchell Christian School cross country team is providing a new experience at its home meet on Saturday.
It’s the first time in coach Mark Miedema’s 10-year stint that the Golden Eagles have hosted a meet. And instead of running on a golf course like most cross country meets in South Dakota, the course is on the Firesteel Trails around Lake Mitchell. The varsity girls will start at 9 a.m. and the boys approximately at 9:30 a.m.
“It’s been something that I’ve had in my heart that I’ve been longing to do for quite some time,” Miedema said. “I just knew especially with these two seniors (Max Reynen and Nathanael Anderberg), I didn’t want to not do it and regret it for these two guys. I just thought I want to do it for this team and give the opportunity to run a different type of course.”
Miedema isn’t sure on the amount of teams that will participate, but hopes it’s the first of many home meets in Mitchell Christian’s future.
“I’m hoping over time that whether we have to reschedule to a different date, that it just grows over time,” he said.
The two seniors he highlighted, as part of the reason he’s grateful his vision came into fruition this year, are also the Golden Eagles’ top-two runners. Mitchell Christian does not have a girls varsity team this year.
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Miedema said Reynen and Anderberg have alternated as the team’s top runner. Using different running styles on Tuesday at the McCook Central/Montrose Invitational, Reynen paced the Golden Eagles by finishing in 15th place in 19 minutes, 22.69 seconds. Anderberg took 29th in 20:27.06.
“Max likes long-distance mileage, whereas Nathanael is more known for his speed,” Miedema said. “He’s more of a speedster. Nathanael likes to start fast and he likes to finish fast. Max is more consistent throughout with his pacing.”
Miedema is confident in his one-two punch, but is hoping a third option emerges behind the veteran duo. Liam Pospisil, Micah Frey and Nahum Anderberg all finished within 35 seconds of each other in Salem, as finding their pacing remains a focus in practice.
“For practices, one day it will be one runner and the next day it will be a totally different runner,” Miedema said. “Right now, they’re trying to figure out their pacing. I’m hoping someone will be able to step up and recognize their potential and take on that role.”
The Golden Eagles will have their third meet on Saturday when it hits the trails. It’s been a busy start to the season, but one that’s allowed its seniors to shine and given its younger runners a chance to emerge.
“Right now, it’s their year to step up and lead the rest of the team -- the young ones -- and kind of show them the ropes,” Miedema said.
