Bison top girls' running duo reaches best times at state

McCook junior Emma Cappel moves along across the Kearney Country Club during her Class B state raceon Friday. She’s a two-time state medalist.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

KEARNEY, Neb. — McCook High coach Tom Sughroue provided some insights about his two Class B state cross-country qualifiers who reached personal bests Friday afternoon.

“Finally we had a great day to run and it showed!

Both girls ran their fastest times on the unk/state meet course. Emma improved her time by almost a minute and Brecken improved her time by 2 minutes.

McCook junior Brecken Gale (center) gathers with family and friends following her Class B state cross country race at Kearney Country Club Friday afternoon. Both Gale and Emma Cappel have qualified for state three consecutive seasons.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

That was very exciting to see from both girls! Emma finished the race in 23rd and Brecken in 59th place. The class B girls race was undoubtedly the toughest I have seen it be. Occasionally there will be a girl that runs under 19 min. mark.

This year there were 5 girls under that mark. The winner of the race ran 18:23, a very impressive time.

That time was also faster than any other girl on the day, claiming the all class gold.

After the state track and field meet last spring it really wasn’t much of a surprise to see such a fast race. A

All and all, I was very proud of how Emma and Brecken competed at the state meet.

With them both being juniors, we will be very excited to watch them again next year.”

Editor’s note: Some final remarks from an interview with Brecken and Emma before state will be included in the Gazette on either Thursday or Friday.