“Bam!” went the gun as the official started up the first race of the day for the 2019 Cross Country State Meet. The 2019 MSHSAA Cross Country State Championships were held at the Gans Creek course in Columbia, MO, on Saturday, November 9 with the Shamrocks running in Class 2. There were only two athletes running for New Haven that day-- Junior Emma McIntyre and Senior Austin Tegeler.
After the results came in Austin Tegeler came in 74th with a time of 17:47. Emma McIntyre came in 14th place with a time of 20:11, qualifying as an All-State runner. After their races, both of the athletes were then asked a few questions on their race.
The first question asked was how they felt they ran.
Austin Tegeler simply replied, “I feel I ran pretty great.”
Emma McIntyre said, “I think I ran really [well] on Saturday. With the box I was in, I was able to get into one of the front packs and stay there for the entire race.”
They were then asked if there were any goals that they had accomplished this season.
Emma McIntyre answered, “Two of my goals were to break 21:00 and be All-State. With my time of 20:11, I was able to reach both of those goals at the state meet.”
Austin Tegeler explained, “I really wanted to be All-District to qualify for state, and I did that, so I feel accomplished.”
Next, they were asked how they felt after running their last race of the season.
Austin Tegeler said, “It’s sad but now I can get some time off before track season.”
Emma McIntyre replied, “I'm happy that the season is over because I needed a break, but I was also a little upset when I realized that I only have one more cross country season left.”
Lastly, Austin Tegeler was asked about how he felt with his cross country season, as a Shamrock, coming to an end. He explained, “It’s sad. Cross Country was the sport I really liked and it was so enjoyable. I will definitely miss the sport and all the people I ran with on both the boys and girls teams.”
Congratulations, Emma and Austin, on a great end to your season!