Third place finish: Chesterton’s girls cross country team poses after they recieve their third place team honors at Bloomington’s State Final Meet. Members of the team in order of their finish Saturday are: Cassie Peller, Mary Ballinger, Kelly Peller, Sarah Kehe, Ali Bishel, Megan Pierce, Stephanie Nothelle. Coach Michael Rouse and Julie Peller. Others making the trip include: Lynzi Lorenz, Brittany Collins, Tess Mullin, Jenny Rietman, Jesse Kowlaski. (Tribune photo by Jimmy Kissee)

Keeping up with the pack: Chesterton’s Cassie Peller (right) tries to keep her pace with the lead pack Saturday at the State Finals meet in Bloomington, In. Peller was the top Lady Trojans top finisher in 7th place. (Tribune photo by Jimmy Kissee)

By JIMMY KISSEE

The Chesterton girls cross country team put the finishing touches on a masterpiece of a season at Saturday’s State Finals meet in Bloomington.

The Lady Trojans team took home third place honors with a score of (143), just (22) points off of the state champs Valparaiso. Northridge edged Chesterton for second with a score of (127).

“I am very-very pleased the way the girls performed not only today, but the entire season,” said Chesterton head coach Michael Rouse.

Chesterton was the only team to put two girls in the top ten. Junior Cassie Peller and freshman Mary Ballinger. Peller finished 7th overall, with a time of (14:40), while Ballinger was right behind her in 8th, at (14:42).

“We ran together as a team and that’s what helped us,” said Peller. “We are pleased with our finish, however, we will take this experience and definitely build off of it for next year.”

Next year looks brighter than the sun heading East down 80-94 at 6:30 in the morning for the Lady Trojans. Chesterton returns six out of their seven starters for next season.

Those runners returning are freshman, Kelly Peller, 48th, (15:35); freshman, Sarah Kehe, 63rd, (15:47); freshman, Ali Bishel, 82nd, (16:01); junior Megan Pierce, 89th, (16:04) and the lone senior Stephanie Nothelle, 105th, (16:20).

Nothelle had an excelent in her first and final state run as a Lady Trojan. “It was everything I thought it would be and more,” said Nothelle. “This was such a great experience, I will never forget it.”

The Lady Trojans finished their season runners-up at the Duneland Conference meet, Sectionals, Regionals, Semi-state, and third at state.

Look for the Lady Trojans to be a very hungry team come next season and a definite force to be reckoned with throughout the state once again.

Posted 11/4/2002