Fargo South High School graduate Steve Sundell achieved one of his goals last week, becoming an All-American cross country runner.
Sundell, a senior at Columbia University of New York City, finished 32nd at the NCAA Division 1 Championships in Waterloo, Iowa, to earn All-American honors.
Sundell covered the 10-kilometer course in 30 minutes, 12.8 seconds -- bettering his finish of 61st at last year's nationals.
"I accomplished my goal but I wanted to finish in the top 15," Sundell said. "I thought I should have shown I was one of the top 20 runners in the nation. I still believe I am."
Sundell started the race at a fast pace staying with the leaders. But he started falling behind at the midway point of the race.
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"He took a big risk going out with the top 10 guys," said Columbia coach Willy Wood. "He mixed it up with them and when he fell behind, he reformulated a new stategy and did what he had to do to be an All-American."
Dathan Ritzenhein of Colorado won the race in 29:14.1.
-- Forum staff reports
