The Dan Conway Classic held on March 15, 2024, at Pattison Golf Course in Superior showcased exceptional performances from local runners, with Nathaniel Bateman and Stella Powell leading the charge. Despite challenging course conditions, including a wet track, athletes from Duluth East delivered impressive results in both the boys’ and girls’ 5K races.
Bateman, a junior from Duluth East, crossed the finish line first in the boys’ varsity race, clocking in at 16 minutes and 27.3 seconds. This time not only secured his victory but also set a new season record, surpassing his previous best of 16:35.3 achieved at the North Shore Challenge just a week prior. Bateman attributed part of his success to the support of his teammate, Joey Gustafson, who finished second with a time of 16:36.3.
“I was determined to stick with Joey,” said Bateman. “He was right behind me, pushing me throughout the race.” Their strong teamwork contributed to Duluth East’s dominance, with four of the top five finishers hailing from the school. Mark Goettel and Owen Blascyk secured fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The boys’ team is currently ranked just outside the top twelve in the latest state rankings, showcasing their competitive edge this season. Bateman expressed his pride in the team, stating, “This is the best team that we’ve had in a long time. We push each other to our limits.”
In the girls’ race, Powell achieved her personal best with a time of 19:45.6, earning her first varsity win. Her performance was instrumental in Duluth East’s overall team victory, as they finished with a total of 18 points, far ahead of their nearest competitor, Moose Lake/Willow River/Barnum, which scored 103 points. Powell was joined by fellow teammates Sasha Wahman, who finished second with a time of 19:51.7, and Carolina Arvold, who took fourth place.
“It’s a very friendly, competitive team,” Powell remarked. “We want to push each other to do our best while knowing we’re getting stronger together.” She noted that she had shaved a full minute off her previous time from last year’s event, where she competed in the junior varsity division.
Powell emphasized her strategic approach to the race, saying, “I trust myself the first mile not to go too fast, and I remind myself that I’m a smart runner. I aim to maintain a strong effort throughout.” This mindset contributed to her recent successes and growing confidence.
The Dan Conway Classic not only highlighted individual excellence but also underscored the strength of the Duluth East teams overall. With the boys’ team ranked just outside the top twelve and the girls currently sitting at twelfth place, the athletes are well-positioned as they continue their season.
The event showcased the resilience and competitive spirit of the athletes, demonstrating that they thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. As the cross-country season progresses, both the boys’ and girls’ teams from Duluth East are poised to maintain their momentum heading into upcoming meets.
