Lake City's Dammann finishes surprising season at state meet

It’s been a whirlwind year for Lake City cross-country runner Carston Dammann.

Lake City cross-country coach Howard Cook saw the talent Dammann possesses at an earlier age and Dammann tapped into that talent in his first year of cross-country to reach the Class A state meet and finish 32nd in 17 minutes, 2.5 seconds.

Cook predicted last spring Dammann could finish in the top 10 at the Section 1A meet if he decided to participate in cross-country. Dammann, who also runs on the track team for Cook, decided this fall to run instead of play football after a shoulder injury. Dammann, who also wrestles in the winter, didn’t want to risk further injury to the shoulder by playing football. The decision to try cross-country turned out a good one this year.

It’s amazing,” Dammann said. “I started out the year hoping I’d place in the top 20 at sections then halfway through hoping I’d make it to state. I didn’t think I’d place third in sections and actually get up here.”

Dammann got some good advice from Cook all season and just prior to the state meet. Dammann started the race in the last lane and had to avoid a log jam around the first corner of the race.

“Coach told me to pick out a point, go straight for it and then when I hit the corner, turn,” Dammann said.

It worked out well as Dammann put himself in the top 20 to start the race.

A successful first year of cross-country also has shifted Dammann’s feelings on his favorite sport.

“This is definitely my favorite sport now,”

Warneke just misses all-state

Zumbrota-Mazeppa/Kenyon-Wanamingo’s Nathan Warneke finished 28th overall in 16:58.5 in the Class A state meet.

Warneke appeared in his second consecutive state meet. Last year he finished 52nd in a time of 17:19.9.

Tags: lake city, sports, prep, cross-country