Minneapolis Washburn runner Emily Covert seeks capstone to 'pretty special year'

Minneapolis Washburn coach Curtis Johnson approached the development of budding distance-running star Emily Covert in a manner similar to a cross-country race: sensible start, steady pace, big finish.

St. Olaf College in Northfield, the location of the cross-country state meet Saturday, is Covert's stage for one last possibly memorable performance. The senior and defending Class 2A champion enters as the overwhelming favorite after recently becoming the first female to finish a 5,000-meter Minnesota high school race in less than 17 minutes.

Already this season, Covert has won the St. Olaf Showcase on the same course as the state meet and bested a strong field at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational. She recently announced her commitment to run at Colorado.

Not a bad autumn for Covert, who takes her success in stride.

"When she accomplishes something, we tend to keep the celebration brief," Johnson said. "Everybody knows it's been a pretty special year. But she's stayed humble."

Chasing her will be Washburn's Grace Dickel and Farmington teammates Lauren Peterson and Anna Fenske, the latter a state champion in 2016. Lakeville South's Brianne Brewster and Wayzata's Emma Atkinson are expected to challenge as well.

In the team competition, defending champion Wayzata will be pushed by St. Michael-Albertville and Edina.

"They just remind our team about the importance of every runner," coach Brad Moening said.

Oliver Paleen, Calvin Boone and Conor Gregg Escalante led the team's second-place finish at the Class 2A, Section 4 meet. But Jesse Peterson and Nathaniel Alden solidified the spot. Peterson ran a personal best and helped the Scots edge White Bear Lake for second place.

Making the day more special for Moening, coach of both Highland Park cross-country teams, was daughter Molly winning the section championship in a school record time of 17 minutes, 52.30 seconds.

"I smiled for a little while afterward," Brad said.

Edina's consistent Max Manley enters as the favorite but any member of the top pack is capable. That group includes Addison Stansbury of Stillwater, Andrew Brandt of Wayzata, Caleb Haugland of Washburn and last year's runner-up, Acer Iverson of Roseville.

Math and Science Academy sophomore Tierney Wolfgram garnered attention in early October for finishing sixth in the elite women's field of the Twin Cities Marathon.

The two-time defending cross-country state champion is the favorite to triumph once again in the state meet ahead of Winona Cotter sisters Grace and Lauren Ping. The siblings will lead Cotter's charge for a team title against defending champion Perham.