Sports : Horst, Gerber lead WAMAC MS girls cross country event; take 2nd,3rd at State

For most of the year, Vinton-Shellsburg eighth grade students Lily Horst and Bristi Gerber have finished first and second in middle school cross country meets.

The two finished first and second again at the Oct. 10 WAMAC middle school 8th grade girls race, leading the VS girls to second place.

The two girls train together, both at practices and other events such as the Bring the Noise 5K in August. Lily is the daughter of Gerald and Marcy Horst; Bristi's parents are Tom and Shaun Gerber.

See complete results HERE.

Also among top 3 State finishers

Then, On Saturday, Oct. 15, Lily finished 2nd and Bristi 3rd at the State MS cross country meet in Saydel.

Coach Nathaniel Brandt took seventh grade runner Ben Eden; eighth grade girls Annika Schmidt, Lauren Tandy, Bristian Gerber and Lily Horst; and eighth grade boy Jonah Blix.

"Lily and Bristi are both very committed to running," says Lily's mom, Marcy Horst. "They ran together several times last summer, including three or four 5K races, to train and just as a fun way to get together. Their dedication definitely shows in their race results." "They are a lot of fun to watch," said Bristi's mom, Shaun. Bristi and Lily have been close friends since they were 3 years old. The first race they ran together was two years ago; the 1 mile fun run for 6th graders at the V-S C.C. home meet. They placed 2nd & 3rd. They both went out for C.C in 7th grade. They had a great season, placing in every race. This summer they got together regularly and ran around town for practice. They entered several races over the summer, including the Robins Round Up 5K, Party in Park 5K, Moonlight chase 4 Mile race in Eldridge, and the Bring the Noise 5K. Bristi then ran the Especially for You 5K in C.R. with her uncle. Bristi and Lily are looking forward to running cross country for Vinton-Shellsburg High School.