Derick Peters leads West Central in dominating fashion 

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

At the South Dakota State Cross Country Championships, Derick Peters made more of a case Saturday as to why he's a legitimate national title contender this fall.  

The West Central High senior, ranked US#10, won his second straight Class A title at Hart Ranch Camping Resort in Rapid City in a time of 15 minutes, 6.20 seconds, leading West Central to a team title. 

Peters' time was more than 30 seconds faster than last year. Younger brother Braden, a junior, was third (15:59.41) as West Central placed four in the top 20 to score 34 points.

"It's exhilarating. It's honestly amazing," Peters told the Argus Leader. "It's one of those feelings you don't really get a lot, but this year I think it was more special with the team coming in and winning the state title."

Senior Cait Savey of Beresford won the girls A title in 18:35.75. Hill City claimed the team crown (33 points). 

Junior Jack Elliot of Lincoln of Sioux Falls won the AA title in 16:01.73. In the team battle, Washington of Sioux Falls just edged out Lincoln 37-38. Ellie Abraham of Brookings clocked 18:23.48 to win the girls AA title. Brandon Valley won the team crown (99 points).

Bison senior Daniel Burkhalter won his third B title in 15:41.27, shaving off almost a minute from last year and winning by more than a minute over runner-up Kray Person of South Central (16:50.14). Newell senior Delaney Leber claimed the B title in 19:52.33 leading her squad to a team crown as well. 

Results - Class AA | Class A | Class B

Team Champions

Boys AA- SF Washington 37 points

Girls AA - Brandon Valley 99 points

Boys A - West Central 34 points

Girls A - Hill City 33 points

Boys B- Ipswich 29 points

Girls B- Newell 22 points