Becker’s consistency leads to runner of the year honors

After coming out the gate strong as a freshman last year, Williamsburg’s Channing Becker showed improvement in almost every meet this cross-country season.

In comparing the same meets last season, Becker saw time improvements in eight meets. Those improvements also came with 10 finishes individually in the top 10.

Becker’s consistency in finishing near the top in most races comes from continued training but also from mental growth as a runner, learning how to compete at the front in every race.

“To run with those top packs all year long is tough mentally,” head coach Nick Nordheim said. “I thought she came so far with her mental toughness, and I'm super impressed with her this season.”

That consistency, and being highly competitive in a deep Class 3A, makes Becker this season’s Hometown Current area runner of the year.

Becker also set four more Williamsburg girls course records this season and holds the seven fastest times ever by a sophomore in school history.

Other runners also put together great seasons and are worth noting.

Below is the 10-runner (five girls, five boys) Hometown Current area cross-country team.

GIRLS TEAM

Channing Becker, soph., Williamsburg — Finished 27th in the Class 3A girls’ race at state with second team all-state honors. WaMaC first team all-conference. Ran a season best of 19:13 at the state qualifying meet.

Maddie Gorsh, fr., Williamsburg— Ran a personal best 20:02 at the state meet in less than ideal conditions. WaMaC second team all-conference. Improved steadily throughout freshman season.

Aubree Wilde, soph., Williamsburg — Came on strong in the postseason. WaMaC second team all-conference. Ran a personal best of 20:23 at the state qualifying meet.

Anna Luers, soph., English Valleys— Top runner again for English Valleys in her sophomore season. South Iowa Cedar League first team all-conference, finishing third in 20:32. Placed 42nd in the 1A girls’ race at the state meet.

Edie Axmear, jr., Williamsburg — Consistent runner for the Raiders all season, even through battling some sickness in the postseason. Ran a season best 20:26 at Wartburg.

BOYS TEAM

Marcus Pirkl, fr., Williamsburg — With balancing football, ran the fastest area boys’ time of the season with a 17:14. WaMaC second team all-conference. Ran under 18 minutes nine times this season.

Isaac Frazier, soph., English Valleys — Finished 68 in the 1A boys’ race at the state meet. Was consistently running in the 17:40s in the later part of the season. SICL first team all-conference. Ran a season best of 17:41.

Nile Busch, sr., Williamsburg — Dealt with injury at the beginning of the season, but was able to progress in times as the season went on. Ran a season best 17:32 at the state qualifying meet.

Carter Corona, soph., BGM — Had a breakthrough performance at the state qualifying meet, breaking 18 minutes and qualifying for state. Finished 107th in the 1A boys’ race at state. SICL second team all-conference.

Finn Brummel, sr., Williamsburg— Ran a big season best at the WaMaC meet in a time of 17:33, placing 23rd.