SIOUX FALLS – Aberdeen Christian runners got to experience this year’s state meet course during the Nike Heartland Preview cross country meet on Saturday.

The Knights had four members competing during the event, which included runners from all three classes.

The top area finisher was Ella Boekelheide of Northwestern who took eighth out of 118 runners.

“There were a lot of really talented runners,” said Christian coach Noah Aderhold. “We talked to the girls beforehand just kind of knowing the differences between classes. In a field this big with this variety of talent, you could run a really, really good race, you could have a really good time and finish 80^th or something.”

Kate Steger led the Knights, finishing 50th.

The goal on the day was to get a feel for a big-meet atmosphere and run the course where this year’s state meet will take place.

“We wanted to make sure that we focused on our races, and worked on time and learning the course,” Aderhold said.

The Knights will compete in the Aberdeen Roncalli Invitational at Lee Park Golf Course on Thursday. It will be their only home meet of the season.

“It’s fun to run in town and that’s usually a pretty fast course,” Aderhold said, “so I’m looking forward to it.”

To see complete meet results click on the following link:

https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/Results/Meet.aspx?Meet=193825&show=all