Saratoga's Kraemer runs to state title

Falcons finish fifth in Division III finals

By Dick Sparrer

The conditions were not great for the state cross country championships at Woodward Park in Fresno.

It was cold and raining in Fresno, and the 3.1-mile course was muddy and sloshy.

So the conditions were not great. But Saratoga's Will Kraemer was.

The senior sensation raced to a state title in Fresno, covering the muddy 3.1 miles in 15:57 to outrun his nearest rival, Kalen Ray of Barstow, by three seconds.

The state championship capped a sensational senior season for Kraemer, a transfer who led the Falcons to a championship in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League, a second-place finish in the Central Coast Section Division III finals and a fifth-place finish in the state.

Kraemer's effort helped the Falcons post the fastest team time of any CCS team in the state field, including Division I champion Serra.

"The conditions were not great at Fresno," said Saratoga coach Marshall Clark. "However, we were happy with the results."

Kraemer was first in 15:57 with David La 46th in 17:01, Brett Stanger 51st in 17:07, Trevor Adams 74th in 17:35, Richard La 81st in 17:41, Steven Surrette 128th in 18:51 and Justin Gardner 137th in 19:16.

Barstow won the team title at state with 49 points. Rim of the World was second with 83 points with Valley Center third (154), San Luis Obispo fourth (169) and Saratoga fifth (173).