The Spartans loaded the bus (which is a big deal now a days) with the sunrise Saturday morning as we headed to the 67th Annual running of the Smiley Invitational at Wausau East HS. Over 40 schools descended onto the cross country course with 23 of them competing in the D1 race against Madison Memorial. It is mid-season, which means every team is dealing with injuries, illness, and all of the other downfalls of a high school cross country season. Our team is no different and we look to continue to get healthier as the last month of the season rounds into shape. The group of young men we sent to the line performed at a high level on a challenging course at the high school grounds. The weather was beautiful for racing and fall colors were beginning to show in North-central Wisconsin. The boys ran against a strong field in the varsity race seeing four state ranked teams. In varsity we ran to a ninth place finish while our JV showed some of our team depth finishing in fifth place. We now turn our focus to the ultra-competitive (which often leads to ultra-fast times) Midwest Invite in Janesville.
In the varsity race Will L-S led our spartans running the 2nd fastest time by a freshman on the Smiley course for Memorial runners. Tommy S had another good race following closely behind and Alex B crossed for our team as our 3rd runner. Hunter N led our next group of runners which included freshman Berndt R and first time varsity racer Cole W. We were missing some key pieces to our varsity but the guys who raced really stepped up today. It is important that we continue to show progress across all our runners.
In JV Fred S tied his lifetime best time today leading our group through the pack. Finn and Aatman followed closely behind. While PJ and Jamie rounded out our scoring 5 crossing the finish line right next to each other. There were many "near" lifetime PRs today on a very difficult course. I enjoyed seeing this group of guys working together as teammates. Multiple times we saw VPM green forging forward to pick off runners in the second half of the race. This will pay off dividends in the last month of the season.
RESULTS
Boys Varsity D1
Boys JV D1
NEXT COMPETITION
Saturday September 23rd
Midwest Invitational @ Blackhawk GC - Janesville, WI (Course)
Bus - 6:45am
9:00am - First Race
9:35am - Blue JV Race (sub 20:30 racers) (2022 Results)
10:45am - Varsity Race (2022 Results)
12:00pm - White JV Race (2022 Results)
12:40pm - 4th - 8th Grade 1 mile Race **
Awards - Varsity = top 40 individuals & 3 teams, JV (both Blue & White) - top 30 individuals
*We will stop for food on the way home...bring $ or pack a lunch!*
Approximate return to Memorial is 3:30pm
** 4th-8th graders who are siblings/friends of Memorial Athletes or attend Memorial feeder schools can compete in the 1 mile cross country race at 12:40pm representing Memorial...to be entered in the race, parents/coaches must contact Coach Casey (crhopp@hotmail.com) by Wed 9/20 before 6:00pm with athletes Name, Gender, Grade in school...(NO cost)...it is the responsibility of each family to provide transportation for their 4th - 8th grade athlete(s) to and from the meet and provide their own race day attire...timing bibs will need to be picked up the day of the race by 12:25pm in our team camp area.
*** NEW LAST YEAR...Janesville is charging an entry fee for spectators. Adults = $5 Kids/Senior Citizens = $3 Under 6 years old = free...CASH ONLY
Plan time for parking, walking to course, & paying admission!!
NEWS & NOTES
Monday Study Table - Athletes are recommended to head to the cafeteria to work on homework during Early Release Monday time
After School Meals - Available in the cafeteria after practice...need to arrive before 6:15pm
Still waiting on our clothing order BUT captain sunglasses are available for $5
Take care of school work and being in class....if you need access to support, let us know and we can connect you with school resources.
Take care of yourself...sleep, sleep, sleep, stretch, ice, eat well, and hydrate.
