Maria Hauger has plenty of big-race experience. Conference, sections, state, regionals and nationals are all on the star runner's résumé.

But Saturday's Foot Locker Cross-Country Championships National Finals were different. Hauger, a three-time Class 2A state champion, has qualified before for the Nike Nationals, but this trip to San Diego is what she's been working toward.

"I've never made it to the Foot Locker, because the Foot Locker is only 40 people, and it's a lot tougher to get to," the Shakopee junior said. "This year, that was my main goal and I finally got here, so I was really excited for this. Just knowing that you're competing against the best high school athletes in the nation -- it's really cool."

Hauger was slightly disappointed with her 21st-place finish in the race. She had a strong start. Through the first mile and a half, Hauger held her own in the top 10, which was her ultimate goal. She drifted back in the field during a hill in the second mile.

"I liked how I raced, though. I wouldn't have changed that," she said.

Aside from the primo competition and running experience, Hauger got a nice break from a Minnesota December by staying in a hotel right on the beach.

"You look out your window and there's the ocean," she said. "It was awesome."

A Giant stepping downLong-time Le Sueur-Henderson football coach Terry Turek resigned last week. He led the Giants for 27 years, posting a career record of 184-90. Turek has been on board with the program for 28 years and might stay on as an assistant.

The Giants finished 2011 with an 8-3 overall record and a Class 2A Section 2 championship appearance.

• Jon Leverenz stepped down as Bloomington Jefferson's football coach after 11 seasons.

• Apple Valley boys' lacrosse coach Ben Uzlik resigned after four years with the Eagles after taking a position with the Minnesota State Patrol.