Only the finish line was biggest obstacle keeping Riley Bauer from a state title. The North Union junior captured the Class 1A state title by cruising to the win with a time of 16:09.7, 23 seconds ahead of runner-up Shane Breheny of Treynor in the meet held in Fort Dodge on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Coming down the stretch with a huge lead, Bauer stumbled at the orange timing device at finish line and tripped him up, causing the Warrior runner to slide across the finish line on his stomach.
Riley took over the lead just past the mile mark and stretched that advantage out to nearly 100 yards after two-and-miles and cruised the school’s first state individual cross-country title.
Read more of this story in the Nov. 3 issue of the Algona Upper Des Moines.