Plainsmen finish their cross country season at state

Perkins County’s boys cross country team raced at the state meet in Kearney on Friday.

The team finished the meet in 18th place of 18 teams with a team score of 245 points.

Sophomore Colton Pouk, who placed seventh individually at districts, led the Plainsmen, finishing 53rd of 152 runners. His final time was 18:35.

Antonio Lyon finished 93rd (19:11), Evan Sestak 112nd (19:36), Caleb Lagler 133rd (20:35), Carter Krajewski 143rd (21:37) and Matthew Aerni 150th (24:30).

Several of the runners ran times that were only a few seconds off from their personal bests, which is a difficult feat at the Kearney Country Club’s course, Coach Set Burge said.

This meet was the final cross country race for senior runners Sestak, Lagler, and Aerni.

“I am proud of Evan, Caleb and Matthew for running a great last race to finish out their senior year,” said Burge. “They have been great examples to the younger runners and have shown perseverance and grit through the end of the season.”

The Plainsmen have qualified a team to state for three consecutive years, including the meet last Friday. 

“I am already looking forward to next year’s team as the underclassmen Colton and Tony lead the pack,” Burge said.