XC TEAM PARTICIPATES IN SCOTLAND MEET
Distance running is an unusual sport. Theathletestepstothestarting line with the full realization that there will be no time-outs, no half-time breaks, and no rest from the time the event starts to the time it ends. The runner has one job…to run fast and hard until they cross the finish line. Along the way, they will face ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, stumbles and struggles. Finally, when the end comes, they hope the results reveal the progress they worked so hard for in practice.
It was after this work and preparation that the Wagner Red Raider Cross Country team arrived in Scotland. The Scotland Invitational was held on Thursday, September 6th. After a very successful start to a new season, our goal was to build on our previous success and continue a strong beginning to our year. The varsity girls ran first, and each of our three varsity girls could be proud of their efforts. Alcista Dion (9th grade) came across the finish line in 16th place, followed closely by Maggie Barnett (12th grade) in 24th place and Rose Eitemiller (11th grade) in 25th place. All three girls ran very hard on an unusual course.
The girl’s and boy’s junior varsity races were run together. Our junior varsity boys had a great showing, with 5 runners finishing in the medals. These runners included Lael Waetermans (8th grade) in 1st place, Colby Krcil (8th grade) in 3rd place, Owen Eitemiller (8th grade) in 7th place, Teddy Slabe (8th grade) in 12th place and Henry Hayward (7th grade) in 13th place. The rest of our JV boys also finished very well. These include Owen Bekanich (7th grade), Tanner Krcil (8th grade), Grant Namminga (11th grade), and Ryan Conroy (7th grade). Jennifer Barnett (7th grade) led the way for our JV girls, finishing in 4th place. Mia Dion (7th grade) was injured in the middle of the run, but gutted it out and finished nonetheless.
Michael Barnett (10th grade) joined Eddie Hayward (10th grade) for their third varsity run of the year. Both improved their times, and finished in the medals. Michael came across the finish line in 6th place, followed quickly by Eddie in 12th place. We are also blessed this year to have a host of new middle school runners. These young people show up every day and work hard to improve their times. Our young men ran a very strong race, with Quincy Mousseaux (6th grade) crossing the finish line in 5th place, Harry Hayward (7th grade) in 7th place, and Caleb Zephier (7th grade) in 10thplace. Theothermiddleschool boys included Jackson Rolston (6th grade), Vince Bechen (7th grade), and DJ Schroeder (8th grade). Our young ladies ran very well, and continue to improve every week. They include Deandra Leighton (6th grade) who finished in the ribbons, Presley Slaba (6th grade), Cadee Nelson (6th grade), Kendra Kreeger (7th grade), and Precious Fischer (6th grade).
We have several runners who are struggling with injuries. However, they still show up at the practices and work hard at supporting their team mates. Together as a team, we are improving weekly and are hoping to peak at just the right time.