FORT DODGE, Iowa (KCRG) - Cedar Falls senior Jaden Merrick broke the 4A state record at the Iowa high school cross country championships, posting the second-fastest time ever recorded at the state meet with a 14:54 finish.

Merrick pulled away from the field in the final stretch after maintaining a slight lead over Iowa City Liberty’s Keegan Decker early in the race. The victory came after back-to-back runner-up finishes in previous years.

“I don’t have words to describe it. It’s been two-long years as a back-to-back runner-up. That’s not easy. So finally getting it done this year, I was definitely happy to be able to do it,” Merrick said.

Cedar Falls finished second as a team, while Liberty’s Decker took third place individually.

South Winneshiek showcases 1A

In the 1A division, South

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