ROCHESTER &045; Progress is the key word for the 2003 Albert Lea High School cross country teams and, according to coach Jim Haney, the Tigers are making it.

Their season continued Thursday with the Rochester Mayo Invitational, where all four ALHS squads finished 16th among 18 schools. But more importantly, the young runners made more strides toward what Haney hopes will be a championship caliber squad somewhere down road.

“I am very pleased with the progress of the boys’ and girls’ teams,” said Haney. “The teams are now more competitive and runners are setting personal records earlier in the season. I am very encouraged with the effort that both the boys’ and girls’ teams have put forth. They are beginning to believe in themselves and the talent that they have. It is this confidence that is helping my runners overcome the aches and pains of running.”

Levi Budd continued to lead the varsity boys, knocking 40 seconds off his time from the previous week while placing 44th in 18:22.

“Levi and the rest of the varsity team attacked the course,&uot; said Haney. &uot;We are trying to run in a pack as long as we can to encourage each other to get through the tough parts of a cross country race. This strategy appears to be working as times are lower and confidence in the effort is high.”

Other places and times for the varsity boys: Josh Anderson, 71st, 19:21; Andrew Irvine, 89th, 19:49; Brock Sorenson, 106th, 20:53; Eric Elleby, 115th, 21:17. Junior varsity: Josh Klapperick, 115th, 21:32; Eric Bowron, 129th, 21:55; Casey Ciffra, 170th, 23:00; Steve Stenholz, 190th, 23:45; Matt VanFossen, 244th, 31:02.

Anna Keesling was the leader for the girls, taking 62nd in 18:45.

“She led a brilliant effort, picking up many places on the long stretches of hill,” said Haney. “I’m also pleased with how my varsity girls are doing considering that we ran one junior, two ninth-graders, one eighth-grader and a seventh-grader. The girls are responding to the pressure of varsity competition and they continue to excel. The future of the girls’ team is very bright and will only get better with more races and more experience.”

The rest of the varsity girls’ places and times: Amy Leach, 74th, 19:11; Alyssa Keesling, 77th; Amber Flategraff, 85th, 19:37; Paige Seadlund, 88th, 19:44; Mallory King, 90th, 19:50. Junior varsity: Tara Helgerson, 96th, 21:35; Ziva Dannaker, 110th, 22:11; Kyra Dannaker, 114th, 22:33; Marta Behling, 121st, 23:27; Courtney Springborg, 126th, 23:49; Elizabeth Burnett, 132nd, 24:53; Faren Culp, 135th, 25:10; Makayla Buley, 152nd, 28:48.

The Tigers’ next competition is Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Winona.Invitational.