Hornets see improvements each time out on the course

Freshman Saffron Riley-Starck (left) and junior Marley Mengel splashed through the water for Cadott, while going through a wet patch, Aug. 31, at a Marshfield event. Photo by Valorie Brecht

By Ginna Young

The Cadott cross country athletes were in action twice over the year, recording good times to start the season.

Aug. 27 vs. Bruce Meet

In their first race of the season, the Hornets were at Bruce, giving them an idea of where the athletes are, regarding on their cardio.

“Our athletes worked hard and gave their best,” said coach Dan Yeager.

Coming up with top honors, was sophomore Beau Steinke, who captured eighth place, in a time of (18:24.79), which was 20 seconds faster than his personal best last season. Showing poise and a solid pace, was freshman Jacob Pilgrim, placing 22nd (20:40.73).

Sophomore Jon Phelps came next, in 32nd, with sophomore Garrett Engel right behind, for 25th, improving his time last year, by over a minute. Junior Saibyn Will came next, in 39th (22:12.46), with sophomore Kaden Roen placing 45th (22:31.19).

Finishing up the standings for the boys, were sophomore Max Demulling, in 76th (27:17.56), and sophomore Klay Handrick, in 82nd (2918.72).

On the girls’ side, junior Iszy Sonnentag finished in 16th (24:12.59) and senior Cortney Weggen was 18th (24:25.24). Coming across the finish line as a group, were sophomore Tessa York, in 27th (32:09.23); junior Marley Mengel, in 58th (32:09.31); freshman Saffron Riley-Starck, in 59th (32:10.90) and junior Josie Roth, in 60th (32:10.95).

“It was a great experience and we are excited for what the season holds,” said Yeager.

Aug. 31 vs. Marshfield Meet

The Hornets then competed at Marshfield, which is the first time Cadott has participated in the event, despite it being in the 51st year of running.

Steinke again placed eighth overall, leading the team, while Will was 12th, just missing out on a medal, by running two minutes faster than his last race. Pilgrim also increased his time, ending in 16th place.

For the girls, Weggen finished in 10th place, with Starck running nearly three minutes faster, as the ninth freshman across the line.

“Many of the girls drastically improved their times from our last race at Bruce,” said Yeager. “Running alongside schools like Stillwater, Minn. (2,600 enrollment in high school), helped our runners to push themselves,” said Yeager.