2023 Cross Country Recap
Coach Nicola’s 2023 Season Recap
Another season is in the books and we can now reflect upon the success of the season. This year we had big changes to the team as last year we lost a lot of seniors. The younger group rose to the challenge with a many workouts, successes, and heartache along the way. As the year’s quote foretold, We Ran as One, Worked as a Team, and Finished as a Family.
Click here to see this season's press coverage and click here to see the season times.
Wahoo Front Runners
The 2023 season brought some new faces to the tops of the programs. Junior Logan Kleffner succeeded in establishing himself as the top boy runner. Logan placed in six or eight competitions for the year and looks for a trip to state during his senior year. Freshman Ellie Warford burst into the scene as a one of the top girl competitors in many years. She led her team to its first state birth in 4 years and earned a total of 8 medals in 10 competitions for the year.
Young…But Mighty
This year the team benefited from many top-notch runners from younger grades. There was a total of nine freshman and three sophomores on the team bringing with them new passion for running and competing. Our boys’ team has a wealth of fresh talent that is already pushing times that are close to some of the more senior athletes. Similar to the boys, our girls’ team put up some impressive times this year and it bodes well for the future. This year’s girls team saw its best three times come from this younger group.
Senior Spotlight
The 2023 season marks the final finish line for two athletes that have stuck it out through all the tough workouts and competitions. Keegan Brigham was elected Team Captain for the 2023 season and helped to lead his team to many individual successes. As the quiet leader, he led by action rather than words. His dedicated and determined mentality will be missed next year. Cadence Bailar was instrumental in the success of her team this year. The positivity of her personality was beneficial during many tough days. After battling through some injuries during her career, she truly gave it her all during her senior year.
Top 10:
This select group has obtained the lowest times through all competitions. The Top 10 Award is given to the five times of both boys and girls.
Boys:
- Logan Kleffner: - 18:07
- Ales Adamec – 18:35
- Keegan Brigham – 18:51
- Anthony Maple – 19:23
- Madden Dwerlkotte – 19:23
Girls:
- Ellie Warford – 20:43
- Aaralyn Dunlap – 21:57
- Erin Golladay – 22:30
- Anica Gannon – 23:47
- Cadence Bailar – 24:34
Looking Forward
The 2024 season will be a year to remember for the Wahoo Cross Country program. The boys will have 5 of the 6 varsity runners back with a burning desire to make it to state. The girls look to build upon their successes also with 5 of 6 varsity runners returning next year. High expectations have been set but the boys and girls will rise to the occasion. Our middle school runners have had huge success during the 2023 season and look to jump into the two programs during 2024. The days until next year have already begun counting down. Run, Warriors, Run!