BROOKINGS – The Aberdeen Central boys finished third and the girls were fifth at the Eastern South Dakota Conference cross country championship meet Saturday in Brookings. The Golden Eagle boys were third in a tight three-team race for the top spot, finishing with 88 points. The girls squad was fifth with 117 points, just back of fourth-place Pierre.

“We had a respectable day,” said Central boys coach Greg Murley. “We put ourselves in a position to win it early. I thought our kids went out and gave great effort. It just didn’t work out in our favor today.”

Tino Lopez led the way for the Golden Eagles finishing seventh overall. Christian Wells also earned top-20 honors with a 16th place showing.

“We’re young,” Murley said. “We’re still learning how to race, but I’m really proud of our kids and the effort they gave.”

Yankton took home the team trophy with 60 points, followed by Brandon Valley with 76 points.

“Our conference is really competitive,” Murley said. “It always has some talented runners. It’s a fun meet to go out and compete hard at.”

The girls squad was led by Juna Ramey’s 12th place effort, earning her all-conference honors.

“Juna Ramey had another strong race,” said Central girls coach Bill Martens. “It was good to see her earn all-conference honors.”

Anneliese Wells finished 18th overall and Alivia Burgard was 25th for the Golden Eagles. 

“I was pleased with our effort,” Martens said. “We had some younger runners get valuable experience.”

Brandon Valley edged Harrisburg to take home the girls’ team title.

The Golden Eagle programs will get an early preview of the state meet course on Thursday as they head to the Roger Loecker Invite in Huron.

To see complete ESD results, click on the following link:

https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/216324/results/all