For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – The Pacelli boys cross country team will return to this year’s state meet, after making their first appearance at the WIAA state meet in 2019.

Pacelli’s Adam Eiden crossed the finish line in third place, at 16:56. Submitted photo

“The Pacelli boys, after winning the sub-sectional CC meet in Edgar, competed in the sectional meet, which was supposed to be in Three Lakes, but got moved to Rosholt because of unsafe course conditions due to the snow storm Tuesday, earned their return to state by winning the sectional meet,” Pacelli High School Head Cross Country Coach Ryan Eiden explained.

At Division 3 sectional finals, Pacelli took first place with a team score of 36, with St. Mary Central trailing with 52, and Iola-Scandinavia in third with 60, and Auburndale fourth with 68.

Pacelli was led by Gabe Hoerter, who was the overall winner with a time of 16:36. Teammate Adam Eiden crossed the finish line in third place, at 16:56. Sam Grywacz placed 12th in 17:35; Isaac Kosobucki was 15th in 17:46; and rounding out the team scoring was Ben Haemmerle who, finished in 18th place with a time of 17:56. Nolan Wojchik took 31st and Sam Carpenter 33rd place, respectively.

The team will advance to the WIAA Division 3 State Cross Country Meet on Oct. 31 at  Maple Grove Country Club in West Salem.

For full sectional results, visit https://wi.milesplit.com/meets/400752-d3-sectional-3-finals-three-lakes-2020/results.