By all indications, senior Keiffer Sexton is set to build on an impressive junior campaign for the Highland Huskies boys cross country. Sexton was one of two Huskies who qualified for last year’ Class 1A state cross country race in Fort Dodge, finishing in eighth place with a time of 16:55.6. He finished four places behind his teammate, recent graduate Evan Mahler, who bested Sexton by 16 seconds at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course.

Sexton had a successful track season this past spring. He medalled in both the Class 1A 1600 and 3200 meter runs. He finished in third place in the two mile run, crossing the finish line in 10:03.63, and recorded a fourth place finish in the mile with a time of 4:35.6.

Highland cross county coach Angie Strobel says Sexton has been working hard this summer to improve on last year’s performance. “He has kept up his mileage and has also been putting in time in the weight room to prevent injuries from the volume increase.” Strobel said, “He loves improving and doesn’t shy away from competition.”

Strobel adds one of Sexton’s goals is to finish a 5000 meter run in under 16 minutes this season.

The Highland Huskies boys’ and girls’ cross county teams are schedule to begin their season on Tuesday, September 1, running in the Iowa Mennonite School’s Invitational.