Since 1988 the top runners from the state of Wisconsin converge on the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids for the WIAA State Championships. The course has changed slightly over the years but for the most part remains the same as that initial course. Future olympians, future NCAA champions, and even high school national champions have run this course. It has challenged each and every one of them and has made for great races throughout the decades. On Saturday AJ got to join this long line of runners and challenge himself to end his high school cross country career on a high note. He is the first athlete to wear the VPM jersey at the state meet but he continues a streak of Madison Memorial runners to accomplish great things at the state meet reaching back to the inaugural year of cross country at Memorial HS. You could not ask for a better day to race as the course was firm and fast and the weather was sunny, in the 60's, with a light breeze. The first mile was fast but AJ followed the race plan and settled into a rhythm that took him through the mile in 30th place. He kept passing guys on the hills and improved his position during the 2nd mile. As he approached the finish and the last set of hills AJ found himself in a large pack of guys all kicking for the finish line. AJ reached the line in his 2nd best time of his life running 16:27. This earned him 28th place in the D1 race and All-State Honorable Mention (which honors the top times from all three divisions). AJ's time & place is our best finish at the state meet since Jonah W in 2011. AJ's performance on Saturday and his hard work all year long in the classroom also lands him a spot on the WCCCA Academic All-State team. Congrats on a great season and a great Spartan cross country career.
AJ runs 16:27 for 28th place
NEWS & NOTES
End of Season Awards Ceremony - Wed Nov 9th @ 5:30pm in Wisconsin NC at Memorial
- Family & athletes can attend
- Present varsity/participation certificates, season recap, team awards
- "Old" running gear & shirts available (bring cash)
- Park in the student parking lot & enter near the Welcome Center
Off-season is when good teams become great teams...what will you do to become a better athlete?
$10 to captains for end of year gifts
NEXT COMPETITION
Saturday August 26th - Intrasquad
Will you be ready?
