Schnelle leads Wildcat runners

She strives for state trip

By Casey Krautkramer

Edgar junior cross country runner Morgan Schnelle is hoping to make a return trip to the state championship race this season, after she was unable to compete at sectionals last year. She qualified for state during her freshman season.

Dennis Webb is in the midst of his 14th season as the Wildcats head boys and girls cross country coach. Morgan’s mother, Amanda Schnelle, is an Edgar varsity cross country assistant coach this season. Tom Normington returns as the Wildcats middle school head cross country coach, and he assists with the high school squad after the middle school season ends. Other top returning Edgar girl runners this season besides Morgan Schnelle are juniors Brooklyn Schwoerer, Ella Morse and Gretchen Brewster, and sophomore Amelia Gajewski. Junior Ethan Sondelski is the top boy runner back this year, and coach Webb said he’s shown incredible improvement from his rookie season.

Edgar’s top newcomers to the varsity squad are freshman Aubrey Behling and sophomore Natalie Thompson.

Coach Webb is expecting Morgan Schnelle to have a great cross country running season.

“Morgan is a fierce competitor and she is willing to do what it takes to be her best,” he said. “She should be very competitive in what I consider one of the toughest conferences in the state. Morgan should be in contention for each race, not only due to her preparation but because of her desire and sheer will to win. Competing in the Marawood is gonna be tough with top individuals from Wisconsin Rapids Assumption, Marathon and Auburndale setting the bar high.”

Morgan Schnelle got off to a great start this season by taking third place at the Mosinee Invitational on Aug. 31 in 21 minutes. Gretchen Brewster placed 27th in 24 minutes, 29 seconds.

The Edgar girls cross country team took third place at the Marshfield Columbus Invitational on Saturday. Brewster placed fifth in 24:29.5, Ella Morse 12th in 25:28.3, Kira Slack 13th in 25:32.3, Natalie Thompson 17th in 26:12.8 and Alexa Lang 23rd in 27:01.3.

Ethan Sondelski took 29th place in 22:48.9 to lead the Edgar boys at the Columbus Invite.