Pacelli’s Christopherson 17th at Class A state meet

Published 3:01 pm Saturday, November 3, 2018

By Rocky Hulne

Pacelli’s Kayla Christopherson heads for the stretch run in the Minnesota Class A State Girls Cross County Meet Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
NORTHFIELD – Pacelli senior Kayla Christopherson ran her last Minnesota Class A Girls State Cross Country race the same way she’s ran them all — with a lot of heart and a no-quit attitude.
Christopherson earned All-State honors for the fifth time in her sixth appearance at the state meet at St. Olaf College Saturday. She took 17th place with a time of 19:26.5.

Pacelli’s Kayla Christopherson climbs the hill at the mid point of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Cross County Meet Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Just as she usually does at state, Christopherson finished the final stretch in a sprint, passing a couple of runners on her way to the finish line.

“It helps to have been here before,” Christopherson said. “I just wanted to end my career on a high note and to lift my head high when I cross that finish line and know that I laid it all out on the line.”
After finishing in her final high school cross country race, Christopherson took a quick moment to reflect on her achievements over the past six years.

Pacelli’s Kayla Christopherson climbs the hill at the mid point of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Cross County Meet Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“When I crossed that finish line, I pointed my head up to the sky and I said thanks to God,” Christopherson said. “I’m so proud of myself. Even though I didn’t’ get the top-10 or get my best time, I had one heck of a career and I’m proud of that.”

Christopherson has had a few injuries, bumps and bruises over the years, but she’s never been one to complain or slow down.
“I wouldn’t be here without my coaches, teammates, my family, friends and of course God, who’s blessed me with all of my gifts,” Christopherson said.
Grace Ping of Winona Cotter won the meet with a time of 17:19.4.

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