Prep athletes of the week: Minneapolis Washburn junior pushed into girls' top spot in Class 2A cross-country

Mpls. Washburn • cross-country

Covert might have been the No. 2-ranked runner in Class 2A by the coaches association, but there was nobody better Saturday.

The Millers junior took first place in the Gold division of the Roy Griak Invitational with a time of 18 minutes, 13 seconds over the 5-kilometer course to vault to the No. 1 spot in this week's ratings.

"It was really exciting to see Emily win her second individual title," Millers coach Curtis Johnson said. "She is a motivated athlete and student."

The warm conditions, temperature in the mid-80s at the start of the race, played into Covert's favor.

"It was very hot, but I've had pretty good races in the heat," Covert said. "I felt surprisingly really good after the race. It might have been the adrenaline rush."

It didn't hurt having Class 1A's top runner, Grace Ping of Winona Cotter, on her heels.

"I thought she was right behind me the way everybody was yelling," Covert said. "Having competition like that helps."

Maple Grove • football

The junior running back has become a workhorse for the Crimson. He rushed for 239 yards on 24 carries and four TDs in a 44-16 triumph over Burnsville. Hull has 704 yards on the ground through four games and has increased his output each week. He ran for 197 yards in Week 3.

Eagan • volleyball

Melville was instrumental in helping the Class 3A, No. 2 Wildcats to the Apple Valley Invitational title, including a victory over No. 1 Lakeville North in the finals. She had 50 kills and 45 digs in the tourney. "McKenna is a steady influence on the team," Eagan coach Kathy Gillen said.

Holy Angels • soccer

The senior attacker is a big reason the Stars have climbed to No. 5 in the Class 1A poll. He had four goals and three assists in three victories last week and during one stretch scored at least one goal in five consecutive games.

Edina • swimming

McCarthy was dominant, having a hand in on four-first place finishes, in leading Edina to the Maroon division championship in the Maroon & Gold Invitational. She won the 200- and 500-yard freestyle and swam a leg on the victorious 200 and 400 freestyle relay squads.

KELLAN McKEAG

Apple Valley • football

The senior running back/linebacker did a little bit of everything for the Eagles in a 42-21 victory over Park of Cottage Grove. He ran for three touchdowns and intercepted two passes, all in the first three quarters.

BERGEN HAAG

Roseville • cross-country

The eighth-grader already has people turning their heads. She was the Class 4A medalist in the Milaca Mega Meet with a time of 19:18.56. "Bergen has been getting better every race," Roseville coach Mary Schifsky. "We are loving how she is growing into a really smart racer."

RON HAGGSTROM

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