by Peyton Hove, Blue Ink
And they are off. The Garretson cross country team had their first meet of the season Friday in Beresford.
Having many returning athletes, the XC team has been preparing since last fall for their return to state, where the girls’ team placed fifth.
“Practice has gone fairly well and we are at the point where we need to have a meet to see where we are at,” stated Coach Bohl.
Senior runner, Sam Konechne, is eager as well. “The preseason went pretty well, and I’m ready to run.”
If you are interested in running cross country, Freshman Kylie Christensen stated, “Practices usually include running three to five miles or a workout, where you need the right mindset.”
One of the biggest obstacles runners face in the preseason is getting back into shape. You need to train physically and mentally to get back into the shape you need to be in to compete for three miles.
The runners representing the Garretson girls today are Payton Campbell, Makayla Heesch, Kylie Christensen, Adair Hanisch, Tayler Benson, Eliza Potter, Lucie Frewaldt, and Serie Risty.
Representing the boys’ team are Evan Debates, Devon Leedy, Sam Konechne, Preston Bohl, Chris Wynia, and Noah Schotzko.
Everyone is hoping for a full and healthy season. For Christensen and the girls’ team their goal this year is to get top five as a team in state.
As for the boys, Coach Bohl states, “We only return one runner with state meet experience and are hopeful that number will be higher this year.”
For today's meet Konechne states, “I’m ready to go out there and run my three miles and call it good!”
This Year’s Roster
Girls:
Sarah Welch 11
Payton Campbell 10
Kylie Christensen 9
MaKayla Heesch 9
Adair Hanisch 9
Tayler Benson 8
Eliza Potter 8
Lucie Frewaldt 7
Serie Risty 7
Boys:
Devon Leedy 12
Evan DeBates 12
Sam Konechne 12
Brady Malsom 12
Preston Bohl 10
Chris Wynia 10
Noah Schotzko 8
Nick Wynia 7
Malik Wylie 7
Jason Bohl is the Head Coach and Bev Howe is the Assistant Coach.
“At Beresford, the Girls were 2nd and the Boys were 4th,” said Coach Jason Bohl. “We ran a 4000m but we usually run 5000m. It was good to get a meet in to see where we are at. The coaching staff was pleased with the results but we feel that our runners need to get mentally tougher as the season goes on so we can get to where we want to be by the end of the year.”
Beresford Invitational Results:
Girls:
Makayla Heesch 4th (17:43)
Tayler Benson 11th (18:28)
Kylie Christensen 15th (18:59)
Payton Campbell 19th (19:15)
Adair Hansich 27th (20:09)
Lucie Frewaldt 48th (22:21)
Serie Risty 50th (22:25)
Eliza Potter 56th (23:36)
Boys:
Preston Bohl 1st (13:58)
Evan DeBates 14th (15:33)
Devon Leedy 18th (16:12)
Sam Konechne 26th (17:23)
Chris Wynia 47th (19:28)
Noah Schotzko 51st (19:55)
