MONROE - There has been a brimming rivalry between Pecatonica-Argyle's Elise Sigg and New Glarus-Monticello's Kelsey Bernet on the track.
That rivalry developed a new cliffhanging chapter in cross country Tuesday when Sigg won the Bruess Invitational in 12 minutes, 48 seconds, surging past runner-up Bernet at the mile mark at a blistering hot Twining Park.
Sigg, a Pecatonica senior who was the Division 3 state runner-up last year, wanted to prove she was one of the top runners again.
"I knew the heat would get to me," Sigg said. "I figured we only had a mile left. I had a lot of energy left. I felt I would give it my all instead of staying behind her."
The heat took its toll on Bernet.
"She (Sigg) has been my competition," Bernet said. "I was trying hard. My legs got tired and I was short of breath from the heat."
Dubuque Wahlert edged Sauk Prairie 74-85 for the team title. Monroe finished fourth (104), which was just eight points away from Mount Horeb-Barneveld, a sectional qualifier last year.
Junior Tess Seichter finished third in 13:17 to lead the Cheesemakers.
Monroe freshman Molly Hlubek and New Glarus-Monticello's Rachel Miller tied two other runners for 10th in 14:09.
Monroe sophomore Rachel Rogerson took 20th (14:24) and senior Sommer Bertalot was 37th (14:53).
Monroe coach Brian Jefferson said he can tell a young team has gained strength from last year, when it finished ninth.
"We wanted to do better than last year," Jefferson said. "We wanted to be in the top five. A lot of people think cross country is just running. There is a lot of thinking and strategizing that goes into the race."
Sigg made a strategic decision to overtake Bernet at the mile mark and never looked back.
Sigg, who ran cross country for the first time last year, looks to make a return to state this year.
"I have trained more this summer," she said. "I'm in better condition and shape than last year."
Pecatonica-Argyle coach Pat Hardyman has no doubts Sigg will work hard to peak at the end of the season.
"Considering what she did last year, if she can duplicate that it would be a plum," Hardyman said. "She is definitely one of the top runners. I think this race showed that."
That rivalry developed a new cliffhanging chapter in cross country Tuesday when Sigg won the Bruess Invitational in 12 minutes, 48 seconds, surging past runner-up Bernet at the mile mark at a blistering hot Twining Park.
Sigg, a Pecatonica senior who was the Division 3 state runner-up last year, wanted to prove she was one of the top runners again.
"I knew the heat would get to me," Sigg said. "I figured we only had a mile left. I had a lot of energy left. I felt I would give it my all instead of staying behind her."
The heat took its toll on Bernet.
"She (Sigg) has been my competition," Bernet said. "I was trying hard. My legs got tired and I was short of breath from the heat."
Dubuque Wahlert edged Sauk Prairie 74-85 for the team title. Monroe finished fourth (104), which was just eight points away from Mount Horeb-Barneveld, a sectional qualifier last year.
Junior Tess Seichter finished third in 13:17 to lead the Cheesemakers.
Monroe freshman Molly Hlubek and New Glarus-Monticello's Rachel Miller tied two other runners for 10th in 14:09.
Monroe sophomore Rachel Rogerson took 20th (14:24) and senior Sommer Bertalot was 37th (14:53).
Monroe coach Brian Jefferson said he can tell a young team has gained strength from last year, when it finished ninth.
"We wanted to do better than last year," Jefferson said. "We wanted to be in the top five. A lot of people think cross country is just running. There is a lot of thinking and strategizing that goes into the race."
Sigg made a strategic decision to overtake Bernet at the mile mark and never looked back.
Sigg, who ran cross country for the first time last year, looks to make a return to state this year.
"I have trained more this summer," she said. "I'm in better condition and shape than last year."
Pecatonica-Argyle coach Pat Hardyman has no doubts Sigg will work hard to peak at the end of the season.
"Considering what she did last year, if she can duplicate that it would be a plum," Hardyman said. "She is definitely one of the top runners. I think this race showed that."
