Meet highlights
The Pioneer cross country team gave it their best shot at this year's
state meet, but came up a little short of their goal, finishing in
fifth place in one of the most competitive state meets in recent
memory. Our score of 188 points was 48 points better than last years
fifth place finish of 236 points, and 2004 will undoubtedly go down
as one of Pioneer's best seasons ever. With three invitational
victories, an SEC championship, a final ranking of fourth in the
state, and two All State performances, we are extremely proud of our
runners.
Leading the way was Senior Co-Captain Morty Stensones-Fornaess with a
17th place finish and a time of 16:05. This is quite an
accomplishment given the fact that Morty fell in the last 1200 meters
of the race, but still managed to get up and finish in the top
twenty. Morty has had a phenomenal career at Pioneer, and will no
doubt go down as one of Pioneer's best runners ever. For the second
year in a row he was named All State, and his senior year was filled
with unforgettable performances. Starting with the Nike-Holly
Invitational, a course record at Saline, and the SEC Jamborees, he
consistently led us to one victory after another during this
successful 2004 season. Thank you Morty!
Senior Co-Captain Takashi Gould (16:06) wrapped up his very
successful career with a 19th place finish and captured All State
honors. Takashi will also go down as one of Pioneer's most talented
runners, competing in the state meet for three of four years,
beginning in his freshman year! His senior year was filled with top
ten finishes as he led Pioneer to many victories, with probably his
best performance coming at Portage. Congratulations Takashi!
Junior Eric Anderson (16:37) consistently improved throughout the
entire season, and saved his best race of the year for the state
meet. Dropping 17 seconds off of his previous best time, he finished
in a tie for 50th place wrapping up a terrific season. Junior Craig
Marlatt (16:49) finished in 87th place running a strong race. Craig
had a tremendous year, and made huge contributions to the team
throughout the season. Good job Craig! Junior Peter Christmas
finished in 106th place with a time of 17:05. Peter had an
outstanding year finishing in the top ten in many of our races, and
going into 2005 will be one of the top ranked runners in the state.
These three juniors give Pioneer a great foundation for the 2005
season. When you factor in the outstanding performance the JV squad
gave us all year long, next year should be another memorable one!
Freshman Charlie Cavell finished in 141st place with a time of 17:22,
running in his first state meet. He was able to gain some very
valuable experience this fall running in some very high profile
races. Charlie has impressed all of us all season long, and the
future is very bright for him!
Senior Kyle Kulseth (18:50) probably did not have his best race, but
how fortunate we were to have Kyle's leadership and maturity on the
team this year. Kyle provided those intangible ingredients that many
overlook when they see a successful team. We will miss his guidance
and direction next year, and feel very lucky that Kyle found his way
back to the team. Thanks Kyle!
Pioneer varsity runners
Place Name Time
17th Morty Stensones-Fornaess 16:05
19th Takashi Gould 16:06
51st Eric Anderson 16:37 PR! (:17)
87th Craig Marlatt 16:49
106th Peter Christmas 17:05
141st Charlie Cavell 17:22
233rd Kyle Kulseth 18:50
Final Note
What a great season! Please help us celebrate the outstanding
accomplishments of these hard-working young men at this year's
banquet on Tuesday November 16th at Pioneer High School. We have so
much to celebrate, and it is our final opportunity to say thanks to
the seniors. Don't miss it!
PR! - new personal record, refers to all-time
PR, not just the best time of the season
The 2003 Honor Roll has been updated
Go Pioneers!