[/sidebar]The piercing, bleak fall weather isn’t deterring the Cannon Falls cross country team as they run into their postseason. After competing in the Hiawatha Valley League Conference meet in Goodhue on October 18th, team members including sophomore Gavin Johnson will be advancing to sections with a chance to go to state. 

The conference meet this last Tuesday showcased phenomenal effort and statistics, and according Johnson, went extremely well. Johnson summarized that the weather that day at the meet was certainly cold— a shivering 37 degrees— and very windy. Despite the weather, Johnson reported that many team members achieved personal records. “I got my PR of 17:42 and got ninth place, Sam Wagenknecht got 34th, and Brighton Lochner got 39th.” Johnson’s ninth place finish allowed him to achieve All-Conference in the Hiawatha Valley League. 

The 2022 section meet is Thursday, October 27th in Albert Lea. “There are going to be a lot of good runners at the section meet,” Johnson claimed. “I have never ran the course at Albert Lea, but I have heard that it is really hilly so I feel kind of nervous but I am sad at the same time because it’s our last meet of the season.” If Johnson doesn’t place high enough to advance to the state meet, his sophomore season will be finished. 

Overall, Johnson emphasized that “this cross country season has definitely been one to remember.” Despite missing a meet earlier in the season due to injury, Johnson has been able to place within the top ten at every meet he ran. His best meet during the season was in Kasson when he placed fourth.

“Getting ninth at the conference meet was pretty cool, but I just can’t wait for next season,” Johnson exclaimed. He has himself to prove next season, but for now, Johnson will bring his focus to his next tribulation, basketball.