It will be a frigid day in Fort Dodge, but that won’t stop a host of local runners making their way to the State Cross Country meet today. Both the Pella boys and girls cross country teams qualified after placing third in their respective district meets, while the Indianola girls team is also sending all of its members. Indianola freshman Emily Naughton is one of the top runners in the state, and tells KNIA Sports it was just as important for her to get the team to Fort Dodge as it was for her to get there individually, as she wanted the seniors to be able to go out with a memorable last race.

Local runners who qualified on an individual level include:

Norah Pearson (Knoxville) 19:48.89 – 2nd individually at district meet
Daniel Mora-Demestri (Pella Christian) 17:44 – 11th at district meet
Emery Sage (Melcher-Dallas) 17:12.7 – 3rd at district meet
J’Lyn Knutson (Melcher-Dallas) 21:02.4 – 10th at district meet
Rylee Dunkin (Twin Cedars) 19:55.7 – 2nd at district meet
Curtis Johnson (Indianola) 16:45.2 – 11th at district meet
Logan Hoger (Indianola) 16:45.3 – 12th at district meet
Paige Steenhoek (PCM) – 20:08 – 12th at district meet

Live updates and interviews with local athletes can be heard from Fort Dodge on KNIA/KRLS and KNIAKRLS.com.