The North Tama Cross Country Boys and Girls after their District Meet in Jesup. Abi Watson got first place and the girl’s team got 7th overall.

The North Tama Cross Country boys and girls teams participated in a chilly district meet last Thursday, October 28, at the Jesup golf course. Before race time, the team was covered in layers of clothing and blankets.

“I was kind of nervous when I stepped up into the starting box, but it was so cold I didn’t even realize how nervous I really was,” said Jessi Jacobs, a Junior at North Tama.

The race was a quick one for District Champion, Junior Abi Watson as she led the entire girls’ race and finished with a time of 15:17. This first place finish qualified her for the state cross country meet which will be held Saturday, November 2nd in Fort Dodge.

“I thought I had to keep my pace and if I did that, I could maintain the lead,” said Watson.

This is Watson’s second time making it to state. Last year, Watson placed 10th overall and looks to improve in both time and place.

“My goal this year at State is to do my best and have fun,” said Watson.

This is also an exciting time for her coach and mother, Vonna Watson, in her first year as North Tama Cross Country Coach.

“I was thrilled when Abi advanced to State. As a coach, I know how hard she works and as a parent, how hard she trains in the offseason,” said Watson.

The North Tama girls team, consisting of Abi Watson, Sammy Watson, Jessi Jacobs, Kodi Hillman, Kristina Martinez, and Maddi Clausen placed seventh out of twenty teams at Districts. The boys running at Districts included Brian Zobel, Logan Zobel, JR Friestad, and Ben Panfil.