Star power heading to Dodge

The words inscribed on Ali Russler’s left arm said it all on a cold and rainy Thursday afternoon in Jesup.
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
That Bible verse from Philippians 4:13 provided inspiration and gave Russler faith.
“Full send or no send” was scratched in black magic marker on her hand as a reminder how far the Chickasaw sophomore harrier has come in her short running career.
That was all the motivation Russler needed down the stretch at the Class 2A state qualifying meet.
She believed and kept going.
The tears, cheers and celebratory screams from Russler and her teammates highlighted a tremendous day for New Hampton and head coach Jamie Ohrt’s squad.
Russler did finish strong and joined junior Dylan Usher as first-time qualifiers for the state meet, which will be held at Fort Dodge this coming Saturday.
“It’s like a dream come true, literally,” said Russler, gasping for air in between hugs from her ecstatic teammates that surrounded her after the Chickasaw’s stellar run to the tape.
Russler, in her just her second year of running cross country, fought off a pack of runners behind her to crack the top 15 at the girls regional competition - the requirement for individuals to advance to the state meet. Class 2A took the top three teams in the overall standings to state.
— For more on this story, see the Oct. 27 Tribune