NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT - STC sophomore Max Schirmer runs at the state qualifying meet this season. Schirmer represented STC at the state cross country meet in Fort Dodge on Oct. 31.

FORT DODGE — STC sophomore Max Schirmer made his state cross country debut this past Saturday, Oct. 31, in Fort Dodge. Running in the Class 3A race, Schirmer ran a 17:33 to finish in 89th place out of 135 runners.

“The race definitely wasn’t my best race,” Schirmer reflected on his run afterwards. “But it was still a quick one. We went out really fast.”

Schirmer noted that he ran a new personal-best in the opening stretch of the race, running his first mile in a time of 5:11.

“I thought Max did really well for his first time at state,” said head cross country coach Edgar Tapia. “He went in with a great attitude and strong mindset. I know that as a first-time qualifier, competing in that environment can cause a lot of nerves. But he executed it very well.”

The Gilbert Tigers were the big winners in the Class 3A race, as they took the championship and crowned the individual champion — senior Logan Bleich (15:12). Gilbert won with 98 points, followed by Sioux Center (114) and Cedar Rapids Xavier (120).

For Schirmer, the opportunity to run at state was the fulfillment of early-season goals.

“The experience at state was amazing. My goal this season was just to qualify for state, so I took it all in while up there and enjoyed the moment,” he said.

“I’m proud of the way Max went out there and battled,” said Tapia. “He handled himself very well and I could not be more proud of the way he ran. He’s a super competitive kid and I know he did everything he could out there.”

His run in Fort Dodge was the conclusion of a strong sophomore cross country campaign for Schirmer, who now looks ahead to spring track season.

“Overall, I think this season was amazing,’ he said. “There’s not a whole lot more I could’ve done to make it better. I’m glad I got to experience so much and I’m excited to head into track season and next cross country season.”