Edina's Haerter wins close race in Stillwater

One of the most exciting - and strategic - events in any track meet is the 1600-meter run.

That was certainly the case May 17 in the State Class AAA True Team Track and Field Meet at Stillwater High.

The field for the 1600 was stacked with great runners, including the state favorite, junior Will Weber of Wayzata. Alongside Weber was another Lake Conference junior, Jace Haerter of Edina. Going into the Friday race, Haerter had never won a race against Weber. But by the skin of his teeth, he was able to change that.

In a photo finish, Haerter crossed the line in 4 minutes, 20.22 seconds. Weber’s finish was almost simultaneous in 4:22.45. Four other runners came in a step behind - Levi Hammerbeck of Mounds View, Tyler Vos of Minnetonka, River Santiago of Blaine and Andrew Schultz of Rosemount. Schultz was the last of the six in 4:20.97.

“It was a tremendous race,” Haerter said after catching his breath. “It was a pretty aggressive start with a lot of elbows. I tucked in behind the leaders and tried to stay patient. With 300 meters to go, I decided to make my move.”

The sprint to the finish was a four-alarm fire.

“There were so many talented guys in the race,” Haerter said. “Hearing the crowd gave me a boost.”

Edina teammates were at the finish line, ready to congratulate their hero. When they saw him win, some of them appeared happier that Haerter himself.

Haerter loves the True Team format because “every single person represents the team and can score points.”

Big points are awarded to the top finishers in each individual event, as well as the high-placing relays. However, a high place in the team standings sometimes depends on 14th, 17th and 25th places in a number of different events.

Haerter had the toughest double for Edina at state True Team. In addition to the 1600, he ran the 3200 and finished 14th. Hornet junior Zachary Danielson joined him in that race and earned 12th place in 9:40.11.

The Edina distance crew is a tight-knit segment of the Edina team, but when it comes to True Team everyone blends into the team effort.

“True Team gives everyone a common purpose,” Edina head coach Matt Gabrielson said. “To score points for the team.”

After finishing seventh in state True Team, the Hornets are anxious to test their skills in the Minnesota State High School League’s Section 6AAA and State Class AAA Meets.

Haerter, who is a state medalist in Nordic skiing, has already been to state meets in track and cross country, as well. He takes pride in being a three-sport endurance athlete and would love to duplicate his True Team success in the State High School League Meet in early June.