NORTHFIELD — Things got a lot easier for Pacelli freshman Sarah Kahle once the starters pistol sounded as she finished 88th out of 156 runners at the Class ‘A’ state cross country meet in St. Olaf Saturday.

Kahle was feeling the nerves before the race began, but once she got out there, she showed she belonged as she finished with a time of 16:29.

“I feel amazing. It’s a big achievement that I just did,” Kahle said. “I can’t describe how terribly anxious I’ve been feeling for the last three days. I talked to my teammates (before the race), and they offered support as well as my family and friends.”

Kahle reached state as the last qualifier in the Section 1A meet as she took 10th and she took 48th in the section meet last season. After holding her own at state, she’s feeling much more confident about her running career.

“It makes me want to go here again and try to do better,” she said. “For anyone who wants to get here, just be determined and be strong and have people who support you.”

Pacelli head coach Jim Parlin was pleased with how Kahle finished in her first state meet and he hopes it has a strong impact on the Shamrocks team.

“The competition is strong and we just wanted to get her experience. Hopefully we get to go her again three years in row and keep building off this year,” he said. “It’s really big for (our team) to see what’s possible. One of their own has done it and it sets the stage for others to try and do that as well.”