NORTHFIELD – Emily Bartusek and Beth Kolling are one step closer to another trip to state.

Friday, June 01, 2001

NORTHFIELD – Emily Bartusek and Beth Kolling are one step closer to another trip to state. Anne Larson and Steph Overgaard already have their awards.

They were the leaders for the Albert Lea girls’ track and field team Thursday, day one of the Section 1AA meet at Carleton College in Northfield.

Bartusek and Kolling were the lone Tigers to qualify for the finals, Bartusek in the 200 and 400 meters and Kolling in the 100. Both have state experience. Bartusek, a freshman, placed in two events there last year, including second in the 400. Kolling, a junior, went to state two years ago but was sidelined last year by an injury.

The finals were held in some field events and Larson took fourth in the high jump, clearing 5-0. Overgaard was seventh in the long jump.

&uot;The girls performed well beyond expectations,&uot; said coach Margo Wayne. &uot;Again, almost everyone turned in season bests. Even those who didn’t make the finals did their best of the season, and that’s what you want to see. Kolling and Bartusek looked very good.&uot;

Also running well but not placing were Amy Ravenhorst in the 400 and Angie Schuhmacher and Katie Stenseth in the 800.

Finals were also conducted in the 3200, and ALHS seniors Jane Skrlin and Karissa Ladlie had an emotional race, according to Wayne.

&uot;Even though they didn’t place, they still did a very good job,&uot; said the coach.

Also, senior Sara Frydenlund also ran her final hurdle races in an Albert Lea uniform.

Besides Bartusek and Kolling, the Tigers’ best hopes for a state entrant are in the 4×200 relay.

&uot;We’re seeded third there,&uot; said Wayne. &uot;Behind the same two teams that beat us in the Big Nine meet. We will be making a change in the lineup. Whether it helps or not remains to be seen.&uot;

Saturday’s finals begin at 10:45 a.m.