This year’s cross country team is made up of 18 girls and 25 boys and is coached by David Zwank.

The first couple of meets allowed the runners and coaches to see where all their hard work placed them on the team. So far the boys varsity includes Brady Meier, Braeden Hegarty, Phillip Hlas, Sean McGee, Will Geadelmann, John DenHerder and Eli Schwarzkopf. The girls varsity runners are Sadie Juergens, Sydney Engleman, Ashlie Hauf, Kristen Baier, Kylie Hauf, Mikayla Klein and Grace McCartney.

Coach Zwank said, “Each meet is just a specialized practice for the final competitions.” The Ateams aim to place in the top half of the Raccoon River Conference. Along with team goals, each individual is training to qualify for the State meet.

Like every sport, the cross country team needs team unity. Zwank said he is “proud of the leadership provided by the team captains, Chloe Spoonemore and Marissa Meadowcroft and Will Geadlemann and Brady Meier, and their ability to create a solid, positive culture for every member of the team.”

The Tigers’ home meet was Monday, September 19. Senior Brady Meier and Junior Phillip Hlas were the top finishers with Freshman Braeden Hegarty close behind. Overall, the boys varsity placed 6th.

Sophomore Sadie Juergens placed 2nd overall. Juniors Sydney Engleman and Ashlie Hauf were next from ADM to finish. The girls varsity placed 3rd out of seven teams.

“As far as things to work on, the team as a whole has the ability to run faster than we have.  We have done the workouts that show their capability.  The real challenge is to run uncomfortable,” said Zwank. “We still have a few weeks to continue to develop that physical and mental strength.”

The next cross country meet will be held on September 29th at the Perry Golf and Country Club.