SIOUX FALLS — Jared Lutmer trained for moments like this.

The Pierre High School senior standout captured his first-ever Class AA state cross-country state championship on Saturday, covering the 5,000-meter distance in 15 minutes and :15.42 seconds. Lutmer broke the Class AA boys meet record, breaking the previous record set by Rapid City Stevens’ Tony Smoragiewicz (15:24.84). 

Lutmer finished 16 seconds ahead of second-place runner, Rapid City Stevens’ Grady Loos (15:31.98). Douglas’ Peyton Cast (15:36.40) placed third. 

Lutmer seized early control of the race at Yankton Trail Park and coasted to the state championship. 

But Lutmer’s state championship was the fruits of his labor.

“It’s just such a cool feeling,” Lutmer said. “When those times get tough and when you are training, you kind of take yourself to this moment. Even running this race, you think back to the times where you are putting in that hard work. It honestly makes it a lot easier to run when you’ve put in that work.”

Lutmer set the tone for the race, which was run under slightly breezy conditions and temperatures in the mid-60s. Lutmer’s pace worked in his favor, while he distanced himself from the field.  

“I just thought if I went out hard and made it a tough race from the start, everyone else would be feeling that,” Lutmer said. “I thought I could just run away with it in the end.”