Albert Lea’s Blair Bonnerup, left, and Steve Kruen race Thursday. -- Bryce Gaudian

Monson runs rehab start, wins junior varsity race

The Albert Lea Tigers cross country team saw personal bests Thursday, as the boys’ and girls’ finished ninth and tenth, respectively in Burnsville.

“It was a great field of Big Nine and Twin Cities schools,” Albert Lea head coach Jim Haney said. “Both the boys and girls ran well.”

Defending Big Nine champion, Chrissy Monson, ran her first competitive race of the season after suffering stress fractures in both her legs. She won the junior varsity race in 16 minutes and 21 seconds.

Haney said that Monson’s participation was a huge positive.

“It was great to see her able to compete again,” he said. “It’s been a long, hard rehab.”

The boys’ team was led by Steve Kruen, who finished 37th overall in 17:56.65. Kruen was followed by Blair Bonnerup, Andy Christian, Luc Malimanek and Eli Malimanek.

“The boys were not satisfied with the team place,” Haney said. “But I was happy that many of the varsity boys dropped time on a tough course against top competition.”

Bailey Thompson led the girls’ team, and finished 10th overall in 15:46.57.

“Thompson had a big race for the girls,” Haney said. “She is running with confidence and is looking to continue to improve to meet team and individual goals.”

Thompson was followed by Alyssa Sager, Rachel Kenis, Emma Behling and Morgan Haney.

“I am very proud of her efforts,” Haney said of Sager. “This year she has demonstrated great leadership.”

“We have a number of races left,” Haney added. “We will find out in the next couple of weeks if we will be able to meet our team goals.”

The Tigers race again Thursday at Owatonna.