Katie Holzner Secures Spot in State Meet, Capping Off Dominant Senior Campaign
Senior Katie Holzner has been a force to be reckoned with in cross-country for the past few years. Known for her tenacity and consistency, Katie has built a reputation as one of the top runners in the region. Her senior season has been no exception, as she balances soccer and cross-country rigors with remarkable poise and drive. Her dedication paid off again this fall, as she earned a coveted spot in the Minnesota State Cross Country Meet.
Katie’s path to the state meet was paved with hard work and determination. Competing in the Section 6A race at Whitetail Run Golf Course in Wadena on a cold, rainy Thursday afternoon, Katie faced the challenge head-on. According to head coach Andrew Riestenberg, the conditions were less than ideal. “The weather was cold and cloudy, and it just started to rain as the girls’ race was about to begin,” he noted. Despite this, Katie’s focus remained unwavering.
Starting from an unfavorable box position, Katie wasted no time. She initially pushed hard, quickly securing a spot in the lead pack. She maintained a solid fourth-place position for the first two laps, with a steady pace demonstrating her experience and tactical expertise. However, as the race neared its final stretch, a competitor pushed to overtake her. Though Katie fought to keep pace, a slight gap opened as they entered the final 200 meters.
Finishing in 5th place overall with a time of 20:09, Katie secured her place in the state competition. "It was a great time, considering the weather and the course, but she would have liked to be closer to her personal best of 19:50," Coach Riestenberg commented. Despite the conditions, Katie’s placement qualified her to compete individually at the state meet, a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
Katie’s performance this season has been remarkable, not only because of her athleticism but also because of her ability to juggle two demanding sports in the fall. As a soccer player and cross-country runner, Katie’s endurance and mental toughness have been key to her success. Now, as she heads into the state meet, Katie has her sights set on improving her placement from last year, when she finished 27th with a time of 19:58.
The state meet will take place at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights on November 2nd, with Katie’s race scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. She is excited to return to the course, having already planned to preview it the day before. In this final race of her senior year, she builds on an impressive career, leaving a lasting mark as one of Hillcrest’s most decorated runners.