STC’s Barrett Jesina, left, and Grinnell’s Cadel Conner run side-by-side during the Grinnell Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Ahrens Park in Grinnell. PHOTO BY TROY HYDE/NEWTON NEWS

South Tama County cross country has looked very different this season. After graduating five of six runners from last year’s state qualifying team, the lone remaining member of that historic group has stepped up to carry on the legacy of his departed teammates.

When speaking of last years historic team Jesina spoke with reverence and great respect.

“There have been many successful STC runners that have taught me everything I know about running so I feel like it’s my job to continue their legacy and continue representing South Tama well”

Barrett Jesina has had a breakout season as STC’s top runner. After a weather cancellation, the team opened their season at Williamsburg with Jesina taking fourth place. With an impressive place in a deep field, Jesina’s time reflected massive amounts of improvement as well, beating his previous personal best of 17:45 with a time of 17:11. In the start of a rivalry, Jesina bested Grinnel’s Cadel Connor, someone who will compete against him many times this season. That performance earned Jesina his first ever ranking by the IATC, coming in at 23rd among boys in Class 3A.

The following week in Grinnell, Jesina slightly bettered his performance with a third place finish and improved time of 17:07. Opposite of the previous meet, Connor battled down the home stretch, just getting the better of the Trojan junior. The meet performance held Jesina in the rankings another week despite his newly established rival.

At the South Tama Invitational, the home favorite Jesina stormed his way to a second place finish. Using his home field advantage, Jesina took the lead 2-1 in the unofficial series with rival Cadel Connor. STC’s course has previously been described as “mystical and magical” a number of years ago by East Marshall Coach Trent Taylor, making Jesina’s time of 17:14 all the more meaningful. Seemingly noticed by the ranking committee, Jesina shot up to 21st in the week five rankings.

With plenty of season left to go, Jesina surly has his eyes set on making an impact at the state meet in Fort Dodge.

“I have been running since seventh grade, and it’s always been my goal to make state. As I have put in more miles over the summer, it’s becoming more of a possibility every day,” he said.

“There have been many successful STC runners that have taught me everything I know about running so I feel like its my job to continue their legacy and continue representing South Tama well.”