BLUE EARTH &045; The United South Central/Alden-Conger track and field teams continued to show improvement at the Blue Earth Invitational Saturday.

The girls finished third behind Waseca and Fairmont while the Boys placed a surprising second behind a very strong Fairmont team.

The meet was held despite a constant rain and cold temperatures.

“I feel we showed some mental toughness on both the boys’ and girls’ teams,” commented head coach Kent Viesselman.

Jamie Klein and Becca Bryson were both double winners for the Rebels. Klein looked very strong in winning both the 1600 and 3200 meters in her first double of the season. Bryson teamed with Kallie Rollenhagen to finish 1-3 in both the triple jump and long jump.

“Our girls’ team is a little short on numbers,” said Viesselman. “We have just 20 athletes on our roster, but that’s exactly what they are. There is absolutely no dead wood. Whether it’s a practice or a meet, all 20

are making a positive contribution. We have excellent leadership and also excellent followers.”

Depth and balance was the key for the boys as their only first was in the 4×800 relay, where Bryan Hauge, Alex Bute, Erik Melby and Alex Ramaker won. Hauge chipped in a 2:10 800 for a personal best, while Ramaker dropped his time to 2:08 on his leg.

Brad Musser added a second-place finish in the shot put for the Rebels’ top individual finish.

The 4×400 team of Jordan Stenzel, Jacob Elmer, Hauge and Brad Tomschin and the sprint medley unit of Daniel Sandt, Amos Bessler, Ramaker and Tomschin also finished second.

“Our boys’ team is very young,” said Viesselman. “But they have some ability and more importantly, a desire to excel. Attitude and work ethic have been excellent throughout our roster of 31 boys. We will continue to improve.”