This past Saturday was the big day for Iowa high school cross country participants as the state meet was underway.

For ADM that meant all eyes on their lone representative in sophomore standout Sadie Juergens. Overall it was a solid performance from the young ADM runner who went up against a competitive crowd of 143 runners and came out with a 40th place finish with her time of 20:19. A very solid finish for just a sophomore who hasn’t let the spotlight get to her once this season. Raccoon Valley Radio caught up with Sadie after her race as she talked about her motivations and preparation work as she got ready both mentally and physically for the state meet and the season overall.

“I had specific girls that I knew where running so they would push me during the run. Since the start, I focus more on getting from mile one to mile two. So every race I would work on that and once I got that down, I would move a little further like to mile 3,” stated Juergens.

Juergens has come a long way since the beginning of the season which resulted in 5 top eight finishes, this time capped off by a top 40 finish. A lot of hard work put into the season by Juergens who told Raccoon Valley Radio after her race how happy she has been with her improvement in 2016.

“Just so happy that I’ve improved so much during this year and all the progress made, just feeling happy,” stated Juergens.

Again a season that held 5 top eight finishes, a fourth place finish in state qualifying, and running for a well earned top 40 finish in the state meet for Juregens earning 40th with her time of 20:19.