After a few days to reflect on her first-place win at the State Cross Country meet, Flandreau’s Faith Wiese says life feels much the same.
The standout junior claimed the Class A girls’ title this past weekend at Hart Ranch in Rapid City, finishing with a time of 18:27.59 — nearly 13 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Ellie Maddox of Sioux Falls Christian.
Wiese’s victory also marked a historic moment, as she became the first athlete from Flandreau to win at State.
The conditions for her win were ideal, Wiese said. The temperature was perfect, the course was awesome, and her legs felt strong. The three, she added, don’t always line up.
She also credits much of her success to her mental preparation.

“I work with a mental coach in Brookings, and he’s helped with a lot of the struggles I’ve needed to work through. Sometimes I just get stuck focusing on the region meet or other meets that the Sioux Falls Christian girls beat me at, but going to State anyone can win. Focusing on myself rather than my competitors really helped.”
The competition in Class A was fierce, with no clear favorite going in. As Wiese neared the finish line and realized she would win, the moment was overwhelming.
“I just felt so thankful — it’s hard to put into words. God has given me this gift, and I wanted to give Him the glory, because it’s not all from us. But it was pretty awesome…I was just so happy, it’s hard to describe.”
Wiese also cherished the chance to run at State with her sister, Calla, a seventh grader.
“It was unique and special to be able to run with Calla. Not many people get the opportunity, especially to compete in a State meet, with a sibling. It’s made us even closer as sisters.”
She added, “It was super cool having my family there for Calla and me, and so many others supporting and traveling all the way across the state to cheer on our team.”
Wiese and the team are eager to carry this momentum into the spring track season, where she has set big goals for herself and her teammates.
Full results on page 11.