Published: November 01, 2009 11:04 pm      

Webber’s racing Bergbowers earn trips to 1A finals

Edwardsville Class 1A cross-country sectional

By JOHN ROARK

john.roark@register-news.com

EDWARDSVILLE — Webber Township High School’s sibling combo of Mallory and Josh Bergbower earned trips to next weekend’s state finals with strong efforts at Saturday’s Metro East Lutheran Class 1A sectional championships, held at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Mallory Bergbower, whose sister Breanna was a three-time state qualifier, advanced in her first try as a prep. The freshman covered the 3.1-mile course in 21 minutes, 28 seconds, and finished sixth.

“That was a pretty good effort there,” Trojans coach Roger Yates said. “She got out early and stayed up there. That’s what you have to do at the sectional. Not to mention the course was absolutely muddy, muddy and more muddy.”

Her brother then took to the course and finished 10th overall and fifth of seven advancing individuals, in 18:13.

“I think after the first mile, Josh was like in fourth place, which had me concerned,” Yates said. “I didn’t know how much he would have left at the finish.”

Yates said the course was brutal for the competitors.

“You started with a downhill run,” Yates said. “Then you turned right, and into mud, then up a hill, and then the second mile was in the woods. When the runners came out of that quagmire, it was a sight to see.”

Yates said both his runners overcame the elements by running close to the pack in the races’ early stages.

“I think both ran intelligent races,” Yates said. “Both are very deserving.”

Also in the girls’ race, Webber’s Danielle Snow finished 44th (24:30), but did not advance.

The girls Class 1A race will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Peoria’s Detweiler Park, followed by the 1A boys race at 10 a.m.