In recent years, the United South Central Rebels have dominated the Section 2A boys’ cross country meet.

Saturday, October 30, 1999

In recent years, the United South Central Rebels have dominated the Section 2A boys’ cross country meet.

This year, they’ll have to settle for something less: the championship.

The Rebels finished in a three-way tie for first place at Riverside Country Club near Blue Earth Thursday but took the title via a tiebreaker.

USC, St. James and Montgomery-Lonsdale all finished with 64 points. The Rebels brought home the championship trophy on the basis of their sixth-place finisher, while St. James took the runner-up spot by tiebreaker over premeet favorite Montgomery-Lonsdale.

It was the sixth consecutive section title for the Rebels.

&uot;I couldn’t be prouder of these kids,&uot; said coach Kent Viesselman. &uot;Who would have thought a year ago, that after graduating our top six runners, we would win the section again?&uot;

The Rebels were led by Tim Rauenhorst, who also qualified for state as an individual by placing second in 17:16.

Following for USC were Jeff Goeden, eighth, 17:41; Adam Bruss, 13th, 18:10; Peter Cruz, 24th, 18:37; Eric Langsev, 27th, 18:46; Dusty Mershon, 29th, 18:51; and Brandon Aukes, 39th, 19:07.

According to Viesselman, the section crown is a tribute to a group of guys who persevered in the face of challenge and adversity this fall.

&uot;Things did not go smoothly,&uot; he said. &uot;We lost our No. 3 runner, Justin Youngblom, for the season with a broken foot, and about the same time we had two more of our top seven runners out two or three weeks. But the kids kept fighting back. This has to be the most improved team and one of the most determined teams I’ve ever coached. Every one of them was a hero Thursday.&uot;

The Rebels run in the Class A state meet Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Olaf College in Northfield.