The senior outpaced a field of 115 runners on Saturday at the Stan Nelson Invitational with a first-place time of 15:53.26, which is a personal best. In his two other races this season, Koester finished second at the Cross Country Classic at Arnold City Park on Aug. 24 and won the Webster Groves Invitational on Aug. 31. In 2016, Koester was third in the Jefferson County Activities Association championships and finished 31st in the Class 4 state meet.
Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Royale Orleans (314) 487-7006.